The Amazing World Of Animal Teeth

Human teeth are a pretty amazing example of natures ability to provide us with exactly the tools we need to survive in our day to day world. While this is certainly true, we thought it would be interesting to take you on a trip into the animal kingdom to see just how our teeth compare and contrast to those found in the great wide world. So sit back and enjoy while we explore some of the great pearly whites of the animal kingdom.

Dogs Don’t Often Get Cavities

So the first stop we’ll make on today’s journey is with man’s best friend. Dogs are an interesting case in the animal kingdom because they simply don’t get cavities very often. The high PH level of their saliva helps to prevent the demineralization, or decay, of their teeth. What this means is that if you see people brushing their dog’s teeth, they’re mostly wasting their time and making themselves feel good as puppy parents. They’re not really helping the dog any.

Elephant Teeth Are Positive Immense

Let’s start with the ones you’re most familiar with, the tusks. Those great big things sticking out the front of the elephant’s mouth? That’s right, they’re teeth. While they’re the largest teeth in the elephant’s mouth, they’re not the only ones that are kind of amazing in their size. Elephants have molars that can reach up to 10lbs, or about the size of your entire head. Even more interesting is that elephants have absolutely no need of dentists, they’re teeth fall out and are replaced regularly as a natural part of their life cycle.

Blue Whales Don’t Have Teeth

In case you were wondering about how big the teeth of the world’s largest mammal may be, the answer is “They don’t have any.” That’s right! The blue whale may ingest a dozen casino buffets worth of shrimp in a day, but they don’t chew them!

Snail Are Teeth Overachievers

Believe it or not, snails can have over 25,000 teeth, and every one of them is located on their tongue. We know this is a strange place to keep your teeth but it seems to work for our little molluscan friends with their mobile houses.

Dolphins Need Dentist’s More Than Anyone

They only get one set of teeth throughout their entire lives, so if any of them get damaged or lost they’re in a lot of trouble! Unfortunately, we have yet to find any aquatic dental schools so they’ll just have to keep being careful.

These are just some of the amazing teeth out there in the animal kingdom today, and they help us realize just how special our teeth really are. If you want to learn more about your special teeth pick up the phone and make an appointment at AppleTree Dental in Tigard, OR today. Dr. Scott T Simpson will be happy to help you learn all about our amazing mouths and what you can do to help take care of them!