A Better Understanding of the Resilience of Human Teeth

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

Researchers at the Bioengineering and Nanosciences Laboratory at the University of Montpellier have uncovered a new structure in human tooth enamel that offers new insights into the resilience of teeth throughout a person’s lifetime. It could also serve as an important marker of evolution. This discovery was made possible by high-resolution X-ray micro-tomography.

What is this discovery, and what does it involve?

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 molars from men and women using X-ray microtomography. This non-destructive technique allows visualization of the internal density of samples through the penetration of photons and their absorption based on density. The study was published in the scientific journal *Archives of Oral Biology* last September.

The LBN has therefore planned further investigations into these structures, their origin, their function, and their role in evolution.

The Bioengineering and Nanosciences Laboratory (LBN) at the University of Montpellier: A Brief Overview

The goal of LBN’s research is to contribute to the application of nanoscience in the fields of health and biology, with a particular focus on dentistry. The primary objective is to advance the clinical application of nanomaterials and nanosensors through a rigorous methodological approach.

Keywords: Research, Science, Company