Biochemistry in Dentistry

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and complex molecular relations that exist within living organisms. This branch of chemistry includes the study of essential elements and their necessity to living organisms, energy transformations that may occur within organisms, and molecules or ions and their orientation. Biochemistry plays a very large and important role in many procedures related to dentistry. Dentists use their information about biochemistry to understand chemical processes that occur within the mouth, to properly perform fillings, tooth extractions, oral surgery, and teeth whitening and to safely administer drugs or antibiotics to patients that may be in need of treatment. Through the study and use of biochemistry, dental researchers have had the opportunity to create new, advanced technology such as tissue engineering, and nanoparticles in dental implants! As well as this, dentists also use biocompatible materials to ensure the safety of their patients and their mouths. Some important topics in dentistry that relate to biochemistry include the chemical makeup and structure of teeth, enzymes and the important role they play in the mouth, and the formation of plaque on teeth.

The Chemical Makeup and Structure of Teeth:

Teeth are made of up of four main parts including the enamel, dentin, pulp, and the cementum. The enamel is the outermost part of the tooth made up of calcium phosphate. The dentin can be found underneath the enamel, and accounts for most of the tooth’s composition. The pulp is made up of soft tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. Lastly, the cementum is a tissue that connects the tooth to the jawbone and gum line.

• The enamel works to protect your tooth from decay, and the chemical structure of it allows it to do so.
• 96% of the enamel is inorganic which means it contains very small amounts of carbon and most of the enamel is made up of hydroxyapatite lattice structure: Ca10(PO4)6OH2

• This lattice structure provides extra strength and durability to the enamel, which is important when eating harder foods.
• The high pH of the enamel also protects teeth from dissolving or being harmed by acidic/basic foods

Enzymes:

Enzymes play a very important role in the chemical processes that occur within a mouth. Two important functions of enzymes include the breaking down of nutrients, their role in the digestive process, their ability to protect a person from bacteria, and their ability to act as a buffer and maintain the pH of the mouth. The four main types of enzymes that are found in saliva include salivary amylase, lysozyme secretion, lingual lipase, and salivary kvllikrein.

• Enzymes are also known as enzymatic proteins that cause the catalysis of chemical reactions.
• Enzymes speed up a reaction by lowering the activation energy of a reaction

The Formation of Plaque on Teeth:

• Plaque is formed on teeth by the buildup of food particles, saliva, and bacteria on teeth.
• The acids produced by foods and sugars can decay the enamel over time, ultimately creating cavities. The acids from the plaque will neutralize, and the tooth will demineralize.

• The formation of plaque can be prevented by frequently brushing teeth with fluoride and flossing.
• Fluoride protects the teeth from forming cavities by supplementing the tooth and helping it to remineralize.

Works Cited:

• http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-14392003000300011
• http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/picture-of-the-teeth#1
• http://sciencing.com/names-enzymes-mouth-esophagus-17242.html
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/anatomy/teeth/toothanatomy.shtml
• https://sites.google.com/a/bvsd.org/science-pal/biology/biochemistry/chemical-reactions