Teeth don't completely burn because of their unique composition. While some parts might be affected by the cremation process, their inherent resilience makes them largely resistant to complete incineration.
The Role of Calcium Phosphate
The primary reason teeth resist burning lies in their calcium phosphate composition. As noted in one source, "Human teeth resist burning during cremation because of their calcium phosphate composition, requiring extremely high temperatures for full incineration." This hard, mineral structure requires significantly higher temperatures than those typically reached during cremation to break down completely.
Cremation Process and Tooth Durability
Cremation begins by burning softer tissues. The entire process takes approximately 2-3 hours. While the soft tissue within the teeth burns initially, the enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, is resistant to the heat. Therefore, teeth often survive, albeit potentially fragmented, after the process. As one source notes, "The softest tissues of the teeth burn initially, but the hardest tissue, the enamel, is spared." Another source clarifies that "Teeth usually burn during cremation, but not entirely." This points to incomplete combustion, with some tooth fragments remaining.
Exceptions and Considerations
It's crucial to understand that the extent of tooth incineration can vary. Factors such as the intensity and duration of cremation temperatures may influence the degree of tooth damage. While typically some fragments remain, they are subsequently ground up as part of the post-cremation process.
Distinguishing from Other Oral Issues
It's important to differentiate the high-temperature resistance of teeth during cremation from issues like "burning mouth syndrome," which refers to a burning sensation in the mouth unrelated to actual burning of the teeth or tissues due to inflammation, chemical exposure, or other underlying medical conditions.
