Which is the hardest substance in your body?« Back to Questions List

You might be surprised to know that the hardest substance of your body is within your mouth. It is none other than your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance of the human body. It is the most durable white outer covering of the each tooth that protects the tooth from wear and tear of chewing, grinding and biting. Without the enamel the teeth would be subjected to cavities and other kinds of infection.

Enamel is made of calcium phosphate which is a hard mineral. The strength of the enamel is due to the highest percentage of its mineral contents. It contains about 96% minerals, making the enamel the highly mineralized substance in the body. As it does not contain living tissue, if lost or damaged due to tooth decay our body cannot replace it. It could be treated with fluorides and calcium to build back its strength. Consumption of milk and other food rich in calcium help re-mineralizing the enamel.

The enamel is not white but translucent meaning it lets light pass through it. There is a soft tissue called dentin behind the enamel. Enamel is not responsible for the color of the teeth but the dentin which gives the teeth its color whether white, yellowish or off white. Regular intake of caffeine based drinks, cola and cigarette smoking can stain the precious protector of our teeth.

What is the role of Doppler radar in weather forecasting?

How do animals realize the period and place for migration?