dentine

Everyday

The hard, yellowish layer that makes up most of a tooth, under the white enamel and around the soft pulp in the middle. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on teeth, pupils label a tooth: enamel (hardest outer layer), dentine (underneath), pulp (nerves and blood vessels), root and gum. When enamel wears away from sugary or acid drinks, the dentine is exposed and teeth can feel sensitive to cold. Elephant tusks are mostly dentine (ivory). Phrases: «exposed dentine», «enamel and dentine».

Examples

• Dentine lies under the hard white enamel of the tooth. tree →
• If enamel wears away, the dentine underneath can feel sensitive. tree →
• We labelled enamel, dentine and pulp on our tooth diagram. tree →
• Ivory from elephant tusks is a kind of dentine. tree →
• Dentine is softer than enamel but harder than bone. tree →
• The dentist said acid drinks were wearing my enamel down towards the dentine. tree →

Note

UK spelling: dentine (said «DEN-teen»); US spelling: dentin (said «DEN-tin»). Uncountable. Trap: enamel, not dentine, is the hardest substance in the human body.