Teeth. They’re white. They need calcium. They look like bones. They feel like bones. But are teeth bones?
The answer is no.
Whereas bones are made of living tissue, teeth are made of enamel which makes up the outer layer of the tooth as well as other tissues called dentin, cementum, and pulp.
The enamel is the hardest part of the tooth and consists of calcium phosphate, but this outer layer can wear away over time.
The dentin lies behind the enamel and is sensitive to bacteria that can cause cavities. The pulp is the living core of the tooth consisting of nerves and vessels and the cementum connects the tooth to the gum and jawbone.
While bone also contains calcium phosphate, it is mostly made of collagen. As a living tissue, bones are constantly being broken down and replaced with new tissue to keep them strong and healthy.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about teeth. However, it turns out that teeth are actually stronger than bones. The enamel covering your teeth is made of 96 percent minerals, which means our teeth will last much longer than the rest of our physical body, which is mostly made of water and a few other elements.
There are plenty of things you can do to keep teeth healthy. In fact, many steps you take to keep teeth healthy will also be beneficial to bones.
Let’s take a look at some things you can do to keep your teeth and bones in great shape.
Holistic Ways to Keep Teeth and Bones Healthy
Even though the answer to the question, “Are teeth bones?,” resulted in a negative answer, the fact that both contain calcium phosphate means they will benefit from a healthy lifestyle that includes the following:
- Eating a diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low fat dairy.
- Eating foods that are high in calcium. Add a supplement to your diet if necessary.
- Getting the recommended dose of vitamin D each day. (Note, since the body does not produce vitamin D naturally, a supplement may be necessary.) You can also get vitamin D3 naturally from the sun.
- Staying active. Try 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as walking your dog, riding a bike, roller skating, or even doing yoga.
- Taking steps to prevent broken bones and teeth such as wearing protective eye, mouth, and head gear when playing sports and being active.
- Not smoking cigarettes or vapes.
Keeping Teeth Healthy
There are extra steps to take to keep teeth healthy and reduce the risk of cavities and other dental issues. These include the following.
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothbrush.
- Floss and rinse at least once a day.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
- See your dentist regularly.
- Drink water.
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods, as they can eat away at the enamel on your teeth.
- Consider brushing your teeth after eating and drinking, especially such teeth staining beverages as wine or coffee.
Basic Oral Care Tips
The best way to floss is by holding a foot of dental floss tight between your thumb and index finger, bringing the floss between your teeth to the base of the gums in a curved scooping maneuver. Then move the debris up and out of your gums and teeth. Repeat this for the space between all of your teeth to remove plaque, prevent gingivitis, and stop bad breath.
Follow the flossing by brushing your teeth, and rinse your mouth with some mouthwash afterwards to help kill off any remaining germs. Mouthwash can not only rinse your mouth out, but it also helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent plaque buildup. Any oral rinse will do, but look for products with the ADA seal on the label. Swish for at least 30 too 60 seconds.
Follow the ADA’s Home Oral Care Guide for more tips.
Additional Products That Can Boost Bone and Tooth Health
Bones and teeth are so important. That’s why there are always new products coming out to boost health for these body parts.
Bio-Dent by Standard Process is a dietary supplement worth checking out. Standard Process is known for producing nutritional supplements with a whole foods philosophy. Their Bio-Dent product is an all-natural supplement that contains synergistic ingredients to support cell function and a healthy skeletal system. It promotes growth development and the repair of teeth and continued bone remodeling.
If you are wondering, are teeth bones, the answer is, no, they are not. But the similarities between teeth and bones means there are plenty of things you can do to keep both of them healthy. What steps do you take to ensure these elements of your body stay nice and strong?