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Tooth enamel
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<p>Tooth enamel is one of the four major <a href="/facts/Tissue_(biology)/H7CpML7A">tissues</a> that make up the <a href="/facts/Tooth/Wc6IqwVf">tooth</a> in humans and many animals, including some species of fish. It makes up the normally visible part of the tooth, covering the <a href="/facts/Crown_(tooth)/9dfspcrv">crown</a>. The other major tissues are <a href="/facts/Dentin/UMpkJ3UV">dentin</a>, <a href="/facts/Cementum/l4L0ftmM">cementum</a>, and <a href="/facts/Pulp_(tooth)/IpPLRv3Y">dental pulp</a>. It is a very hard, white to off-white, highly mineralised substance that acts as a barrier to protect the tooth but can become susceptible to degradation, especially by acids from food and drink. In rare circumstances enamel fails to form, leaving the underlying dentin exposed on the surface. </p>