noun
- a hard, bone-like tissue that forms the main body of a tooth, beneath the enamel and surrounding the pulp
Usage: also spelled dentin (more common in U.S. English); technical/medical term
Examples
- The dentine of the tooth becomes exposed when the enamel wears away.
- Cavities can penetrate through the enamel and into the dentine, causing pain.
- Dentine is softer than enamel but harder than the pulp inside the tooth.
- When you brush too hard, you may wear away the gum and expose the dentine.
- The dentist explained that sensitivity often occurs when dentine is exposed to hot or cold foods.