Our mouth is responsible for many functions such as smiling, communicating, eating, talking, etc. There is much information about keeping the pearly whites clean and tidy; the importance of hygiene, but mainly, no one talks about the basics, what are teeth made of? Are teeth bones? How do we take care of them? This blog has answers to all those not so frequently asked questions for a better understanding of the teeth.
What Are Teeth Made Up Of?
Have you ever put your mind to what teeth are made of internally? Teeth visually appear like bones, but they have certain structural differences that make these two different from one another. The topmost layer of your tooth is the enamel, which shields the soft inner parts.
It is white, rock-hard, and full of elements that protect your teeth. So what minerals are present in the enamel which makes it sturdy? Well, the element of teeth that give it strength is hydroxyapatite- a mix of calcium and phosphate.
The next layer right underneath is known as dentin. The dentin layer of teeth is made up of living cells secreting hard minerals. In the center of the tooth lies the pulp, where nerve endings and blood vessels reside.
The root connects with your jawbone. Your tooth is made up of different levels, and one of such is a pathway down the tooth and inside the jaw bone known as a root canal that is for nerve and blood vessels to go.
When you hear that someone has gotten a root canal, it means there was cleaning done from the infected pulp of the tooth in that canal.
Teeth Not Considered As Bones – Why?
What you see on the front of your tooth is the enamel layer encapsulating the leftover substance underneath it just above the jawbone.
Under the enamel is the carbonated calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite making up dentin.
On the other hand, bones constitute protein collagen – a living, growing tissue. Teeth are not made of collagen, which gives bones the strength edge to bear pressure and a flexible framework.
Bones have osteoblasts – cells that give them the ability to regenerate and grow. Another thing that teeth cannot do; once they break, there is no going back. Only restorative or cosmetic treatments can work on it. Moreover, bones also have marrow that secretes both white and red blood cells, which teeth do not do.
Conclusion
So, in a nutshell, teeth do not count as bones since they are not made up of the same elements. Bones have an edge since they contain living matter in them, making them stronger and living body tissue.
If your tooth has a cracks or chipped it cannot regenerate itself and will require external assistance from a dentist to cover it up. An open tooth sends a zap of pain whenever triggered; that is why covering cavities in between or anywhere on teeth is necessary. Call experts from Nimmi Shine Dental at 858 999 8550 to help you with your dental journey.