{getToc} $title={Table of Contents}
Summary
The study uses atom probe tomography to compare the composition of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals in young and senior adult tooth enamel, revealing higher fluoride concentrations in senior enamel.
Highlights
- Higher fluoride concentrations found in senior enamel nanocrystals.
- Atom probe tomography used to compare young and senior enamel composition.
- Study reveals potential mechanism for enamel embrittlement with age.
- Fluoride incorporation into nanocrystals may contribute to enamel durability.
- Results suggest de- and re-mineralization cycles affect enamel composition.
- Senior enamel has smaller nanocrystals with higher lattice strain.
- Findings have implications for understanding tooth aging and developing treatments.
Key Insights
- The study's use of atom probe tomography provides a high-resolution analysis of enamel composition, revealing previously unknown differences between young and senior enamel.
- The higher fluoride concentrations in senior enamel suggest a potential mechanism for the increased hardness and brittleness of enamel with age.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering the role of de- and re-mineralization cycles in shaping enamel composition and properties.
- The smaller nanocrystals with higher lattice strain in senior enamel may contribute to its increased brittleness and susceptibility to cracking.
- The study's results have implications for the development of treatments aimed at preventing or reversing enamel aging and promoting oral health.
- The research underscores the need for further investigation into the complex relationships between enamel composition, structure, and properties.
- The study demonstrates the value of advanced analytical techniques in understanding the nanoscale mechanisms underlying tooth aging and enamel degradation.
Mindmap
Citation
Grimm, J. R., Renteria, C., Mukhopadhyay, S., Devaraj, A., & Arola, D. D. (2024). Stratification of fluoride uptake among enamel crystals with age elucidated by atom probe tomography. In Communications Materials (Vol. 5, Issue 1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-024-00709-8