Editing Perikyma

{{More citations needed|auto=yes|date=December 2009}}

'''Perikymata''' ([[Greek language|Greek]] plural of περικύμα, '''perikyma''') are incremental growth lines that appear on the surface of [[tooth enamel]] as a series of linear grooves.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Dental Anthropology|last=Hillson|first=Simon|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1996|isbn=1107078261}}</ref>  In anatomically modern humans, each perikyma takes approximately 6–12 days to form. Thus, the count of perikymata may be used to assess how long a tooth crown took to form.  They may disappear as the enamel wears over time after the tooth erupts. 

Perikymata are the expression of [[striae of Retzius]] at the surface of enamel.  They can be found on all teeth, but are usually the easiest to notice on anterior teeth (incisors and canines).

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Parts of tooth]]