The bones that contain teeth are the maxilla and the mandible.
The maxilla forms the upper jaw, and the mandible forms the lower jaw. These bones have sockets, called alveoli, that securely hold the roots of the teeth. The curved ridge of bone forming the alveolar sockets is known as the alveolar arch.
- Maxilla: Holds the upper teeth.
- Mandible: Holds the lower teeth.
While teeth are often mistakenly considered bones due to their hardness and calcium content, they are distinct structures. Teeth lack blood vessels and nerves in their enamel, unlike bones which contain living cells, blood vessels, and nerves. Both bones and teeth contain substantial amounts of calcium, which contributes to their hardness and structural integrity. However, over 99% of the body's calcium is found in bones and teeth. Dietary calcium intake is crucial for maintaining the health of both these structures.
