What is the primary substance that forms the bulk of a tooth?

Dentin is indeed the primary substance that forms the bulk of a tooth. It is a hard, dense tissue located beneath the enamel and cementum, comprising about 70% inorganic materials, primarily hydroxyapatite, which provides strength, and approximately 20% organic materials, mainly collagen. Dentin makes up the majority of the tooth’s structure, giving it resilience and support, while also playing a crucial role in protecting the pulp of the tooth.

Enamel, while being the outermost layer of a tooth and the hardest substance in the human body, does not form the bulk of the tooth; it primarily serves as a protective layer. Cementum is a connective tissue that covers the root of the tooth and anchors it to the jawbone, while pulp is the innermost part that contains nerves and blood vessels, playing a vital role in the tooth’s health but comprising only a small part of its overall structure. This makes dentin essential for both structural integrity and functionality of the tooth.