Tooth Enamel Hydroxyapatite

Tooth enamel hydroxyapatite refers to the primary mineral component of dental enamel, which is the outermost, highly mineralized layer covering the crown of human teeth. This substance is composed mainly of hydroxyapatite crystals—a crystalline form of calcium phosphate (chemical formula: Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂)—that are densely packed and organized into structures called enamel rods or prisms. Its primary function is protective: tooth enamel acts as a barrier shielding underlying dentin and pulp from physical forces, thermal changes, chemical erosion, and microbial attack. While not a direct therapeutic target in the traditional sense, its properties and interactions (e.g., with fluoride) are crucial in dental health and disease.

Other names

Dental Enamel HydroxyapatiteEnamel HydroxyapatiteCa₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂Tooth Hydroxyapatite

Fluoride promotes the formation of fluorapatite, a more acid-resistant mineral, during remineralization. Synthetic hydroxyapatite integrates into early lesions for partial restoration.