Many people may wonder if teeth are bones, since they are both hard, white, and contain calcium. However, teeth are not bones for several reasons. In this article, we will explore teeth bone structure and their function, how teeth and bones differ in their structure, function, and healing process.
Structure of Teeth and Bones
Mineralized tissues make up both teeth and bones, but they have different compositions and structures. Collagen, a type of protein that provides a soft framework, and calcium phosphate, a mineral that adds strength and hardness, make up most of the bones. Living cells in the bones can produce new bone tissue and repair damage.
Four different types of tissue compose the teeth: enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and covers the outer layer of the tooth. It consists of calcium phosphate and other minerals but does not contain any living cells or collagen. Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel and makes up most of the tooth structure. It is similar to bone in that it contains collagen and living cells, but it is harder and more brittle than bone. Cementum is a thin layer that covers the root of the tooth and helps to anchor it to the jawbone. It is also similar to bone, but it contains more collagen and less mineral. The pulp is the soft core of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It is the only part of the tooth that is considered living tissue.
Function of Teeth and Bones
Teeth and bones also have different functions in the body. Bones provide support, protection, movement, storage, and blood cell production. They are part of the skeletal system that forms the framework of the body. Bones also store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that they can release into the bloodstream when needed.
Teeth are part of the digestive system that help to break down food into smaller pieces that can be swallowed and digested. They also help to shape the face and enable speech and expression. Teeth do not store minerals or produce blood cells.
Healing Process of Teeth and Bones
Another major difference between teeth and bones is how they heal when damaged. Bones have a remarkable ability to heal themselves when broken or fractured. The body produces new bone cells that bridge the gap between the broken pieces and form a hard callus that eventually remodels into normal bone.
Teeth, on the other hand, cannot heal themselves when damaged by decay or trauma. Once lost, enamel does not regenerate, and dentin can only repair itself to a limited extent. The pulp can become infected or inflamed when exposed to bacteria or injury, which can cause pain and tooth loss. The only way to restore damaged teeth is to seek dental treatment such as fillings, crowns, root canals, or implants.
Conclusion
This sentence is already in active voice. Active voice means that the subject of the sentence acts, while passive voice means that the subject of the sentence receives the action. In this sentence, the issue is “teeth” and the action is “differ from bones”. The subject is doing the action, not receiving it. Therefore, this is an example of an active voice. Teeth help to chew food and support facial features, while bones provide support, protection, movement, storage, and blood cell production. Teeth cannot heal themselves when damaged by decay or trauma, while bones can regenerate new bone tissue when broken or fractured. Therefore, teeth should not be treated like bones but rather like precious gems that need to be protected and cared for with good oral hygiene habits.
