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Hydroxyapatite crystal lattice of tooth enamel
- Molecular classification
- Other (not a protein, receptor, enzyme, transporter, or classical drug target; it is a mineral lattice)
01
Overview
Hydroxyapatite crystal lattice of tooth enamel refers to the highly organized, tightly packed network of hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate) crystals forming the primary mineral structure of human dental enamel. This lattice makes up about 95–97% of tooth enamel by weight and is responsible for its exceptional hardness, resilience, and ability to protect the underlying tooth tissue from mechanical and chemical insults[1][2][3][5][6]. In enamel, hydroxyapatite is arranged into rods (or prisms) and interrod regions, with unique orientations contributing to enamel’s strength and resistance to fracture[1][3][6]. Though enamel hydroxyapatite is the body’s hardest tissue, it is susceptible to demineralization by acids, and cannot regenerate naturally if lost. Fluoride and mineralizing treatments can remineralize damaged areas but cannot restore lost lattice structure[4][1].
- Other names
- Enamel hydroxyapatiteTooth enamel hydroxyapatiteEnamel crystal latticeEnamel apatite
02
Mechanism of action
Remineralization: provides calcium and phosphate ions to repair hydroxyapatite lattice; Fluoride incorporation: converts hydroxyapatite to the more acid-resistant fluorapatite; Inhibition of demineralization: slows/enhances resistance to acid-induced breakdown
03
Biological functions
Protection (protects tooth from mechanical and chemical damage)Provides hardness and structural support of teethThermal insulation (insulates underlying tooth structures from temperature extremes)Provides a surface for chewing and bitingAesthetic appearance (contributes to tooth gloss and color)
04
Disease associations
Other (enamel demineralization—dental caries; erosion by acids and mechanical wear)Not implicated in classic systemic diseases
05
Safety considerations
Irreversibility: natural enamel cannot regenerate once lostIncreased susceptibility to caries if demineralizedWeakness to acid erosion (dietary acids, gastric reflux, etc.)Abrasion from mechanical wear
06
Interacting drugs
Fluoride (used in toothpastes and treatments for remineralization)
1 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Enamel mineral loss (measured via radiography or quantitative light fluorescence; not a classical molecular biomarker)Demineralization/remineralization rates (clinical measures)Surface hardness or density
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