There are a lot of misconceptions about bones and teeth. Some people think that teeth are bones, while others think that they are not. The truth is that teeth ARE NOT considered bones. They are each made of completely different tissues that serve completely different functions in the body. In this article, we break down information from dentists to answer the question are teeth considered bones? This includes an in-depth breakdown of what bones are made of, what teeth are made of, and what makes the two so different.
What are Bones?
Function of Bones
Bones are the hardest and most rigid organs in the human body. They are made up of living cells that are constantly being replaced. The primary function of bones is to support the body and protect organs. Bones also store minerals, produce blood cells, and provide a place for muscles to attach.
Classification of Bones
There are four main types of bones in the human body:
- Long bones: These are bones that are longer than they are wide. Examples include the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone).
- Short bones: These are bones that are approximately equal in length and width. Examples include the bones in your wrists and ankles.
- Flat bones: These are thin, flat bones that are often found protecting other organs. Examples include the bones in your skull and ribs.
- Irregular bones: These are bones that don’t fit into any of the other categories. Examples include the bones in your spine and hip.
Microscopic (Smaller) View of Bones
Bone is composed of two primary ingredients:
- Collagen: This is a protein that gives bone its flexibility.
- Hydroxyapatite: This is a mineral that gives bone its hardness.
Both of these parts are essential to the function of bone in the body. Bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding themselves, and this process is regulated by collagen and hydroxyapatite.
First collagen is produced in the body in a highly ordered structure. Then hydroxyapatite is deposited on top of it. This creates a hard outer shell that protects the bone underneath giving its strength and inflexibility.
Macroscopic (Bigger) View of Bones
The general structure of bones can be divided into two main parts:
- Compact bone: This is the hard, dense outer layer of bone that you can see and feel.
- Cancellous bone: This is the spongy, inner layer of bone that contains a lot of blood vessels and nerves.
Spongy bone is almost always surrounded by a layer of compact bone. This combination of hard and soft tissue makes bones strong enough to support the entire weight of the human body while still being lightweight enough to allow us to move freely.
What are Teeth?
Function of Teeth
Teeth are small, hard organs that are used for chewing food. Contrary to what many believe, they too are made up of living cells (If they weren’t dentists wouldn’t be considered doctors!). The primary function of teeth is to break down food so that it can be easily digested by the stomach.
Classification of Teeth
Teeth are classified into four main categories:
- Incisors: These are the eight teeth in the front of your mouth (four on the top and four on the bottom) that are used for biting and cutting food.
- Canines: These are the four teeth (two on the top and two on the bottom) that are located next to your incisors. They are used for tearing food.
- Premolars (Bicuspid Teeth): These are the eight teeth (four on the top and four on the bottom) that are located behind your canines. They are used for tearing and grinding food.
- Molars: These are the 12 teeth (six on the top and six on the bottom) that are located in the back of your mouth. They are also used for crushing and grinding food.
Microscopic (Smaller) View of Teeth
Teeth are made up of three main parts:
- Enamel: This is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that you can see and feel. It is the hardest substance in the human body. Harder than bones in fact!
- Dentin: This is the layer of your teeth that is underneath the enamel. It is softer than enamel and much more yellow in color.
- Pulp: This is the innermost layer of your teeth that contains blood vessels and nerves.
Macroscopic (Bigger) View of Teeth
Teeth are anchored into the jawbone by roots. The part of the tooth that you can see (the crown) is called the clinical crown. The rest of the tooth (the root) is anchored into the jawbone and not visible.
Why are Teeth Not Considered Bones?
So, are teeth considered bones? The answer is no, but there are many similarities between the two. Both are hard, both have living tissue inside of them, and both are essential for the function of the human body. However, there are SO many differences between the two.
On a developmental level, teeth and bones are created by two different primary germ layers in the human body. Primary germ layers are groups of cells that are responsible for the development of specific tissues and organs in the body and usually separate extremely early in the stages of development of an embryo. Bones are formed by the mesoderm (the middle layer), while teeth are formed by the ectoderm (the outermost layer).
The tissues that makeup bones and teeth, while somewhat similar, are also quite different as covered above.
On a functional level, bones are a part of the human skeletal system which means they are responsible for supporting and protecting the human body. Teeth are not a part of the skeletal system, but are instead a part of the human digestive system and are responsible for breaking down food.
Asking “are teeth considered bones” is like asking if a hammer is considered a screwdriver. Yes, they are both tools, made of somewhat similar materials, and serve specific functions in home improvement. However, they serve completely different purposes and are made in different ways.
Closing Thoughts
So, there you have it! Teeth are not considered bones, but they are still pretty amazing organs! Next time you are at the dentist, take a minute to think about all of the different ways that teeth are similar to and different from bones. And, as always, remember to brush and floss twice a day to keep your oral health in check!
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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