• Question: does tooth enamel grow back and if not, why?

    Asked by harryj to Katherine, Daphne on 21 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Katherine Haxton

      Katherine Haxton answered on 21 Mar 2012:

      Tooth enamel is formed before the tooth pops out of the gum, and requires special cells and a supply of calcium phosphate (which is what enamel and bones are made of). Once the tooth grows through the gum, the cells and calcium phosphate aren’t there anymore so the enamel can’t naturally grow back.
      Some scientists have identified a gene responsible for tooth enamel and this article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/feb/24/dental-research-enamel-gene speculates that it might be possible to use this gene to make tooth enamel regrow.
      Until they figure it out, we’re just going to have to look after it!

    • Photo: Daphne Ng

      Daphne Ng answered on 22 Mar 2012:

      Katherine has given a good answer to this. That’s why it’s really important to take good care of your teeth since they are the first things that people notice when you smile!

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