The Secret Of Strong Tooth
Tooth enamel glass is equivalent to a strong material, but at the same time fragile. However, if the fragility of teeth compared with broken glass, has a resistance of teeth stronger.
The proof, although the teeth continuously used for chewing, but in fact our teeth become stronger every day.
The researchers likened this ability with micro structures such as “basket weaving” contained in the human tooth enamel.
“This is still a mystery, how can such strong teeth,” said Brian Lawn of the National Institute of Standards and Technology was quoted by the Times of India, Wednesday (15/4/2009).
In this study, the researchers took samples of human teeth, a beaver, and several other animal teeth. Then treat it like a piece of dental steel and practice scenarios like biting movements.
Lawn explains, this study aims to find out how strong your teeth can last before it becomes damaged.
The research team found that the micro structure shaped like a “basket weaving” on the tooth enamel which turned out to contain cracks formed and potentially damaging, and spread throughout the surface of the tooth.
“These findings explain, why when the dentist checked my teeth adults, they can tell if the teeth are there are many cracks. And the teeth are still intact,” said Lawn.
Enamel thickness and tooth size can also affect how strong the teeth can chew food.
This research was also useful for anthropologists. Because they can use information about the enamel as a reference for the study of the evolution of teeth in primates and other animals in general.
Enamel structure can also be used to develop a similar substance, as well as for replacement dentures
