Microscopic Plant Particles Can Lead to Permanent Damage to Tooth Enamel

Recent research reveals that tiny, microscopic particles present in many plant-based foods, known as phytoliths, may pose a risk to the integrity of tooth enamel over time. Although plant foods are vital for a balanced diet due to their fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these phytoliths can contribute to dental wear through repeated interactions during chewing.

Scientists developed artificial leaves embedded with phytoliths and used a specialized device to simulate the chewing process on human tooth enamel samples. Their findings, published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, demonstrated that even soft plant tissues could cause irreversible mineral loss and damage to enamel, the hardest substance in the human body.

Tooth enamel's brittleness makes it susceptible to mechanical degradation, such as fractures and slow material loss caused by wear. The study underscores that microscale particles from food, dust, or other sources influence enamel health, an area not fully understood despite extensive research on larger forces causing cracks and fractures.

Phytoliths are silica-based particles formed in plants when they absorb soluble silica from soil, depositing it within tissues. Previous studies yielded conflicting results on their impact on enamel wear, often due to unrealistic experimental conditions. This new study utilized artificial leaves made from a PDMS-based material with embedded phytoliths, mimicking the natural properties of real leaves and enabling precise simulation of chewing interactions.

Repeated contact with teeth revealed that phytoliths, although breaking down over time, still exacerbated mineral loss and enamel wear. Interestingly, the predominant wear mechanism was identified as a form of permanent deformation resulting from microscopic weakness, rather than brittle fracture. These insights help explain natural enamel degradation processes and may shed light on dietary behaviors and environmental conditions of ancient organisms.

Understanding how microscopic particles affect enamel not only informs dental health strategies but also enhances our knowledge of dietary evolution and environmental interactions. Ongoing research continues to explore the delicate balance between consuming beneficial plant foods and minimizing potential dental harm, emphasizing the importance of moderation and proper dental care.