The resilience of human teeth better understood

[Press release] - Published on December 15, 2022 in Press Room

Researchers at the Bioengineering and Nanosciences Laboratory at the University of Montpellier have discovered a new structure in human tooth enamel that provides a better understanding of the resilience of teeth throughout life. It could also be an important marker of evolution. This discovery was made possible by high-resolution X-ray microtomography.

What is this discovery and what does it consist of?

Researchers at the LBN have discovered a new structure in dental anatomy: "tuft drapes." These "tuft drapes" are regular structures measuring a few dozen micrometers, located within the enamel, along the longitudinal axis and covering the surface of the dentin. They undoubtedly play a major mechanical role in the resilience of human teeth throughout life. These structures were observed for the first time in 3D on male and female molars using X-ray microtomography. This non-destructive technique allows the internal density of samples to be visualized thanks to the penetration of photons and their absorption according to density. The study was published in the scientific journal Archive of Oral Biology last September.

The LBN has therefore planned further investigations into these structures, their origin, their function, and their presence in the context of evolution.

The Bioengineering and Nanosciences Laboratory (LBN) at the University of Montpellier in a nutshell

The objective of LBN research is to contribute to the application of nanoscience in the fields of health and biology, with a particular focus on dentistry. The main goal is to bring nanomaterials and nanosensors closer to clinical application by relying on a high-quality methodological approach.

Keywords: Research, Science, Company