Teeth and bones are mineralized tissues with similarities, but teeth are not bones.
They share similar properties, but differences in their makeup and function set them apart.
For instance, teeth contain enamel, a substance much harder than bone.
What Are Teeth Made Of?
They begin the digestive process by chewing and breaking down food.
The visible part of the tooth is called the crown.
The jawbone keeps teeth stable and allows you to chew.
Bones are made of protein, collagen, and minerals such as calcium.
Minerals make bones hard and strong, while collagen provides flexibility and helps bones resist breaking.
Teeth have limited ability to repair themselves and usually requires dental treatment.
Teeth enamel can become damaged or erode and must be treated by a dental professional.
Bones protect organs and move the body.
Bones change (remodel) throughout various life stages.
Bone can repair itself or heal when broken.
Bone marrow helps create blood cells.
Bones store calcium and growth factors the body needs.
Dead vs.
Living Teeth
The root of the tooth contains pulp, a living tissue that keeps the tooth alive.
Cavities and injury to the tooth candamagethe pulp if they are deep enough.
Inflammation and infection in the pulp can cause the tooth to die.
Not everyone qualifies for dental coverage; for those who do, how much and what is covered varies.
Instead, they require treatment from a dental care provider.
Another differentiator is that teeth contain enamel, a material stronger than bone.
Proper nutrition is essential to bone health and strong teeth.
Good dental hygiene practices are also crucial for keeping teeth and gums healthy.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.What is bone?
Nemours KidsHealth.Mouth and teeth.
University Hospitals.The digestive process: digestion begins in the mouth.
2022 Sep 9;27(18):5852. doi:10.3390/molecules27185852.
Young MF.Skeletal biology: where matrix meets mineral.Matrix Biology.
2016;52-54:1-6. doi:10.1016/j.matbio.2016.04.003
MedlinePlus.Tooth anatomy.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.The tooth decay process: how to reverse it and avoid a cavity.
7:108. doi:10.3389/frym.2019.00108
New York State Department of Health.Keeping your bones and teeth strong for life.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Bone health and osteoporosis: what it means to you.
American Dental Association.Dental coverage, access & outcomes.
