05/04/2025
Why Can’t Teeth Heal Themselves? 🦷
It all comes down to how teeth are built and how they function:
1. Enamel Has No Living Cells
The enamel—the tough outer shell of your tooth—is the hardest substance in the body, but it’s completely acellular. That means no living cells, so it can’t repair itself like skin or bone.
2. No Blood or Nerve Supply in Enamel
Enamel doesn't get a blood supply, so it can’t receive immune support or healing agents. Once it’s damaged, the body can’t naturally restore it.
3. Dentin Can Respond, But Barely
Under the enamel, dentin has some limited healing ability. Odontoblasts in the pulp can make a bit of “reparative dentin,” but this is slow and not effective for major damage.
4. The Pulp Is Sensitive and Vital
When decay reaches the pulp, it can lead to inflammation, infection, or pulp death. Once that happens, a root canal is usually the only option.
Teeth can’t regenerate like other body parts—so prevention is everything!
✅ Brush and floss daily
✅ Use fluoride to protect enamel
✅ Don’t skip dental check-ups
✅ Treat problems early
