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Dentistry vocabulary · Teeth and Oral Anatomy

Enamel

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/ɪˈnæməl/nounCore term

In dentistry, enamel means: The hard, shiny outer layer covering the crown of a tooth. It is the hardest substance in the human body and cannot grow back once it is lost.

In Turkish: mine, diş minesi

How it is used

Comes up in talk about decay, erosion, whitening and bonding. Dentists say enamel is worn, eroded, demineralized or etched, and describe enamel defects in children's teeth.

Example sentences

  1. Acidic drinks can slowly wear away the enamel.

  2. The lesion is still limited to the enamel, so let's try fluoride before we think about a filling.

Common collocations

  • tooth enamel
  • enamel erosion
  • enamel wear
  • etch the enamel
  • enamel defect
  • dentinThe yellowish tissue that forms most of a tooth, lying under the enamel and around the pulp. It contains tiny tubes, so it can feel pain when it is exposed.
  • erosionLoss of tooth surface caused by acids that do not come from bacteria, such as acidic drinks, fruit, or stomach acid from reflux or vomiting.
  • cariesDamage to a tooth caused by acids that plaque bacteria make from sugar. It slowly dissolves enamel and dentin and, if untreated, can reach the pulp.
  • fluorideA mineral compound that makes enamel stronger and more resistant to acid, which helps to prevent decay. It is added to toothpaste and, in some places, to drinking water.

More terms: Teeth and Oral Anatomy

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.