Wed, 06 May 2026 01:23:56 +0000

Why Doctors Never Say Teeth Are Bones—Your Teeth Are Harder Than You Think When you hear a doctor describe your teeth, the common saying is: “Teeth are not actually bones.” While this phrase often comes from a place of oversimplification, it hides a deeper truth—your teeth are far stronger and more complex than most people realize. In fact, teeth are surprisingly harder than bone, and understanding this can transform how you care for your oral health. ### Why Do Doctors Say Teeth Aren’t Bones? At first glance, teeth appear similar to bones—they’re hard, white, and essential for chewing and speaking. However, while both are composed of mineralized tissues, the composition and structure differ significantly. Teeth are made primarily of enamel, dentin, and cementum, the hardest substance in the human body—enamel alone is 95% mineralized calcium phosphate. In contrast, bone consists mostly of collagen fibers and hydroxyapatite, making it stronger under tension but generally less hard than enamel.