The structure of our teeth

The structure of each tooth is almost identical: the enamel is visible on the outside . The dentin with fine dentin tubules is protected underneath . These two structures protect the tooth pulp , the part of the tooth that is perfused and traversed by nerves.

The enamel consists of about 97% of hydroxylapatite and is the hardest structure in the human body. Hydroxyapatite is in the form of rod-like crystals, which essentially consist of calcium and phosphate ions, in some cases zinc and carbonate and other ions are also incorporated. The hydroxyapatite crystals are clearly structured – and this is the same for every healthy tooth. The slightly softer, yellowish dentin lies protected under the enamel . Dentin consists of approx. 70% hydroxyapatite, the remaining components are collagen and bound water.

Figure 1: Microscope image of the transition from tooth enamel to dentin

Figure 2: Schematic representation of a hydroxylapatite crystal (Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 OH)

The dentin and enamel protect the tooth pulp , which is supplied with blood and traversed by nerves. With exposed tooth necks and unprotected dentin, external stimuli such as cold, warmth, sweet or sour food can be conducted directly to the tooth nerve via the dentinal tubules (“tubules”) in the dentin and thus cause pain.

Figure 3: The pulp consists of nerve tracts and fine veins. It is supplied with blood and warmth, cold and pain are felt.

Figure 4: Dentinal tubules running into the interior of the tooth

It is important to protect and care for the entire tooth and the supporting structures. If this is neglected, tooth erosion (dissolution of the tooth by acids, e.g. from food), caries (dissolution of the hard tooth substance by bacterial acids), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) or even periodontitis (inflammation of the entire periodontium) can occur. In the worst case scenario, any of these diseases can lead to tooth loss. To prevent this, we have developed, researched and specially adapted our Nordic Smile products to your needs. In all Nordic Smile products, zinc carbonate hydroxylapatite is used as the main active ingredientused, the main component of tooth enamel. An active ingredient known to the body is used. Hydroxyapatite can form a protective layer on the teeth. This protective layer prevents acids from attacking the tooth directly or bacteria from attaching to the tooth. Small tooth enamel defects are repaired by the fact that hydroxyapatite is deposited and mineralized directly in these porous areas. In the case of exposed tooth necks, the dentinal tubules are closed and sensitive teeth are reduced. A pleasant side effect: the teeth are brightened by the white protective hydroxylapatite layer.