While they're both hard and white, teeth and bones are made up of different materials. Teeth are made up of calcium, phosphorous and other minerals that give them their hard enamel shell. Bones, while they also contain calcium, only use calcium as the filler material between their main material — protein collagen. It's this regenerative collagen that allows bones to heal themselves after a break or fracture. Because teeth don't regenerate, they can't heal themselves if broken. What's more, bones produce their own white and red blood cells, while teeth receive their blood supply via the arteries in your body.
Because teeth are made of hard enamel, they're actually much stronger than bones. According to a report in the Journal of Dental Biomechanics, enamel is even harder than bones.
While it's true that teeth are covered in tough enamel, that doesn't mean they're invincible. Even though teeth can't regenerate, you can strengthen them by replacing the calcium lost through factors like age and overuse.
The American Dental Association advises that the average adult consume between 1,000 and 2,000 mg of calcium on a daily basis to maintain optimum tooth and enamel health. Consuming a diet high in calcium helps to fortify enamel, so teeth are less likely to break. Also, consider brushing with a toothpaste that strengthen the enamel and replenish natural calcium.
There are, of course, the usual suspects when it comes to increasing your calcium intake for stronger teeth. Dairy products are high in calcium and easily available, so simply adding a cup of yogurt, a few cubes of cheese or an 8 ounce glass of milk can help you reach your calcium goals. Additionally, the following foods contain calcium and might be a surprising way to help strengthen enamel:
While it's true that teeth aren't bones, their hard enamel surface can benefit from the same care that bones do. Whether you snack on dairy products or look for ways to add calcium to your diet via other methods, your mum was right when she told you that calcium keeps your bones — and your teeth — healthy.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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