Human Body
How Do Teeth Work? The Science of Dental Anatomy
Teeth are the only part of the skeleton exposed to the environment, and enamel—the hardest substance in the human body—must withstand decades of grinding, biting, and acid attacks. Unlike bone, enamel cannot regenerate once damaged, making it a one-shot investment in mouth function. Understanding the structure of teeth (enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum), why they fail, and how they differ from bone reveals why dental health requires prevention, not just treatment.