Despite the fact that tooth enamel in Glenpool cannot regenerate once damaged, it does maintain a level of resiliency and durability that is unique. In fact, researchers have known it is the hardest substance in the human body and capable of lasting a lifetime when properly cared for. However, only recently did they learn why. Read on to learn the details of this incredible material as well as how to make sure your smile lasts for life.
Research on the Architecture of Enamel
In order to understand how enamel can last so long without breaking down, researchers had to take a closer look at its structure. A team of scientists from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) published research in the journal Nature Communications, detailing the following:
- Enamel is essentially made up of “rods” which are made of hydroxyapatite crystals. These crystals are long, thin, and extremely small (50 nanometers wide by 10 micrometers long).
- Using imaging technology, they could confirm how these crystals were aligned. This technique is known as polarization-dependent imaging contrasting (or PIC) mapping.
- As a result, the scientists confirmed that there was not a single orientation in each rod, but a gradual change in orientations between nanocrystals sitting next to each other.
With this observation, they decided to perform an experiment.
The Secret is Its Crystal Orientation
Keep in mind that the researchers had already confirmed the alignment of the crystals but now needed to see how they would do under stress tests. Using a computer model, they could simulate the forces these crystals experience when a person chews.
Within the computer model, two blocks of crystals were placed next to each other so they touched along one edge. The crystals were then aligned in such a way that they met at an angle.
When stress was applied to the blocks, they would crack whether they were perfectly aligned at the interface where they met or at a 45-degree angle. What’s interesting is when the blocks were slightly misaligned, the interface effectively deflected the crack and prevented it from spreading further.
Researchers wanted to confirm what the perfect angle of interface was to ensure the best resilience to stress possible, but were not able to within the computer models they had. After further investigating the PIC mapping data acquired earlier, they confirmed the smaller the angle was, the better able it could deflect cracks.
How to Keep Your Enamel Healthy and Beautiful
While the researchers believe the ideal angle of misorientation is probably in our mouths, it’s certainly not going to help if you’re day-to-day habits are harmful to enamel. For that reason, you’ll need to make sure to do the following:
- Brush twice a day for at least two minutes at a time
- Floss daily to clean the sides of teeth
- Consider adding an oral rinse to your routine
- Avoid chewing on inedible objects
- Reduce your consumption of hard or tough foods
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports
About 918 Dentist
Dr. Parnam Mohanna and Dr. Dalia Georgy take your preventive dental care seriously. Whether you’re in for a routine checkup or concerned about cavities and decay, they’re happy to offer services designed to give your smile additional protection (including fluoride therapy and nightguards for bruxism). To schedule an appointment, you can contact them through their website.