Why Physically Active Individuals Are at Risk of Tooth Enamel Damage
Julia Wójcik
2026-03-21
7 min. read
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Dental issues in individuals who frequently engage in physical activity are quite common. Many people associate them with mechanical damage related to the risk of certain sports, such as wrestling, basketball or handball. However, not only athletes, but also enthusiasts of recreational physical activity are exposed to various dental problems. Is there a connection between physical activity and the process of enamel erosion?
Tooth anatomical composition
An adult's oral cavity contains 32 permanent teeth and 4 wisdom teeth. Structurally, a tooth comprises two primary components: the visible crown above the gumline and the root embedded within the bone. Histologically, four distinct tissue types are identified. Enamel, the outermost layer of the crown, is the hardest substance in the human body, devoid of nerves and blood vessels, composed of 96% minerals with the remainder being water and organic matter. Dentin, situated beneath the enamel, is less dense and prone to decay, potentially causing pain due to its innervation. The pulp, richly innervated, fills the tooth's interior, and inflammation induces severe discomfort. Cementum covers the root, and the junction between enamel and cementum is termed the cervical region.
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