What tissue covers the outer surface of a tooth?

What tissue covers the outer surface of a tooth?

• A. Dentin
• B. Enamel
• C. Cementum
• D. Pulp

Answer: (B)

The outer surface of a tooth is covered by enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel serves as the protective outer layer that shields the inner structures of the tooth, including the dentin and pulp, from environmental factors such as bacteria, acids from food, and physical wear. Its mineral composition primarily consists of hydroxyapatite, which gives it remarkable strength and durability. Dentin, while an important part of the tooth structure that forms the bulk of the tooth beneath the enamel, is not the outermost layer. Cementum, on the other hand, covers the root of the tooth and helps anchor it to the jawbone but does not cover the visible part of the tooth. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels but is not involved in the outer protective layer. Therefore, enamel is correctly identified as the tissue that covers the outer surface of a tooth.

The outer surface of a tooth is covered by enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel serves as the protective outer layer that shields the inner structures of the tooth, including the dentin and pulp, from environmental factors such as bacteria, acids from food, and physical wear. Its mineral composition primarily consists of hydroxyapatite, which gives it remarkable strength and durability.

Dentin, while an important part of the tooth structure that forms the bulk of the tooth beneath the enamel, is not the outermost layer. Cementum, on the other hand, covers the root of the tooth and helps anchor it to the jawbone but does not cover the visible part of the tooth. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels but is not involved in the outer protective layer. Therefore, enamel is correctly identified as the tissue that covers the outer surface of a tooth.