Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, even stronger than bone! But despite its incredible strength, enamel isn’t indestructible. Every day, your teeth are exposed to acids, bacteria, and the forces of chewing. However, with proper care, your tooth enamel can last a lifetime, helping you maintain a healthy, functional smile well into your later years. In this article, you’ll learn why enamel is so important and what you can do to protect it.

You probably learned that genes play a role in things like hair color, eye color, and height. But did you know they can also influence certain traits in your smile? That means “bad teeth” might not be entirely your fault, though the full picture is a bit more nuanced than that. Here’s what you should know about the connection between your grin and genetics.