Tooth enamel

Tooth enamel (Latin enamelum) is the outer protective shell of the crown part of the tooth. It is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in the human body, consisting of 96-97% inorganic substances, mainly hydroxyapatite crystals.

Etiology and pathophysiology

The structural unit of enamel is enamel prisms, which provide its exceptional hardness. Because enamel does not contain living cells, blood vessels and nerves, it does not have the ability to biologically regenerate. The condition of enamel critically depends on the acid-alkaline balance of saliva: when the pH drops below the critical 5.5 mark, the process of dissolution of crystals begins.

Clinical significance

Enamel serves as the first barrier to infection. Its damage opens the way for bacteria to reach the less protected dentin. Since there are no nerve endings in the enamel, the initial stages of enamel destruction are painless, making regular checkups essential for early diagnosis of tooth decay.