Are teeth bones? You are not alone in pondering this question. It has puzzled many people for ages. While teeth and bones may seem similar, they are not the same.
Understanding these key differences will help you take better aftercare of your oral health and overall well-being.
Let’s delve into the details of the teeth and bones to see their similarities and differences.
Are Teeth Bones? What Are They Made of?
Bone is a living tissue mostly comprising collagen, reinforced with calcium and specialized bone cells.
Teeth, on the other hand, are different than bones. They are non-living structures having 4 layers, namely:
- Enamel
- Dentin
- Cementum
- Pulp
Enamel – it is the protective covering surface that you can see protruding from the gums. It saves the sensitive inner layers from the external wrath of your food.
Dentin – A layer that is present right underneath the enamel. This hard layer of tissues contains microscopic tubes. In situations where the enamel is damaged, temperatures like heat or cold from the food enter the tooth to cause sensitivity or pain.
Pulp – The next layer is the pulp which is the softer, living structure of teeth. In that, there is a mesh of blood vessels and nerves that run down the teeth.
Cementum – Has connective tissues binding the roots of your teeth firmly to the gums and jawbone.
Periodontal Ligament – It helps to anchor your teeth firmly against the jaw.
Teeth Are Not Bones – Difference Between Them
Yes, both teeth and bones majorly comprise the mineral calcium; however, there are some marked differences that are explained further.
Healing Power
Your bones are living tissues and hence have the power to heal or regenerate after damage. However, since teeth are not like bones, they lack this feature.
Your teeth cannot regenerate once it gets broken into halves. Only cosmetic dental work can deal with that type of situation.
Structural Dissimilarities
The physical difference is the most noticeable of the three. Teeth reside in the oral cavity or mouth, whereas your bones are found throughout the body.
The bone is made up of a network of vessels, both biological and collagen. While teeth have four layers, nerves are only found in the deepest one.
Constituents
Just because both contain calcium doesn’t mean teeth and bones are the same. If you believe that because they both contain calcium, they must be the same, you are mistaken. The existence of collagen in the bone separates the two. Collagen is a protein that gives the bones the durability they need to withstand pressure and overall body weight.
Teeth, on the other hand, lack this substance, and the only thing the strong coating of enamel can withstand is biting and chewing food.
Final Note
Dial (832) 548-1533 to connect with Spring Branch Dental Group dental experts and learn more about apt oral cavity health.