What are Teeth?

Do you think teeth are bones? Well, that is not true. Teeth are a completely different part of our body. If you want to know about them, spare a few minutes and read this article. 

Are Teeth Bones?

Your teeth consist of inorganic, hard minerals such as calcium. Teeth also contain blood vessels, nerves, and specialized cells. However, they are not bones. This part of your body doesn’t have the tendency to regenerate like the bones. They don’t grow back if they break or get damaged. In contrast, bones have the covering of a special cell layer, known as the periosteum. These cells allow the bone to develop over time. 

Your teeth comprise four different forms of tissues, which are:

  • Pulp: it is the innermost part made from blood, nerves, and connective tissue.
  • Dentin: it covers most part of the teeth and is extremely hard. 
  • Enamel: it is the hardest tissue in your teeth.
  • Cementum: it helps to hold the teeth in their position.

Another thing that makes teeth and bone different is, teeth can’t develop bone marrow, which produces white and red blood cells. On the other hand, teeth have pulp, which is the living portion of the teeth. Lastly, you can find bones under your skin. However, the teeth root is inside your body, and the remaining part stays outside in your mouth. 

Parts of the Human Tooth

A tooth has different complex parts which help maintain oral hygiene. Here are the three parts of a tooth. 

Crown

This portion is visible to the naked eye. In addition to it, it covers around two-thirds of the entire tooth composition. The crown lies above your gingiva or gums. 

Neck

It is the narrow and small portion that lies between the root and crowns of your tooth. 

Root

It comprises one-third of your tooth. As of its name, it is present deep inside the bone that supports your teeth. Roots lie below your gums, and they are not visible if you have healthy teeth. 

How Can You Keep Your Teeth Healthy?

If you want to keep your teeth healthy, you need to follow the mentioned guidelines. 

  • Consume a nutrient-rich diet. Avoid sugary snacks, juice, and sticky foods such as dried fruit. 
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups.
  • Ensure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after consuming sweet snacks. 
  • Avoid smoking, as smoke can damage your teeth significantly. Even secondary smokers can also suffer from teeth problems just because of inhaling smoke. 
  • Discuss with your health provider if you notice any problem with your teeth. 

Bottom Line

So, now you know that teeth are not bones, and they can’t grow back like bones. This is why you need to take good care of them. It is also important to treat problems as soon as they start developing. In case of any dental problems, visit professional and expert dentists like Gentle Dentistry to remove the problems from their roots. We can help you lower the risk of chronic teeth conditions by just regular cleaning and some guidelines. If you want to learn more, you can contact us at 435-375-4276.

Sources

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/mouth-teeth.html

https://www.deltadentalwa.com/blog/entry/2020/06/Are-Teeth-Bones

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/health/2013/05/07/you-were-wondering-are-teeth-bones/28936681/

https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Are-Teeth-Made-Of.aspx