Not All Teeth Are Created Equal

Usually, in my blog posts, I try to give you some important information about your teeth. And one thing you should know about your teeth is that they are completely unique. Like fingerprints, every person on Earth has a unique mouth, where every tooth is unlike that of any other person. However, as your favorite dentist, not only do I know numerous interesting facts about human teeth, but also about the teeth of those with whom we share this planet: animals.

By studying the teeth of animals, humans have learned a lot about our own teeth as well as treatments to make them healthier. Here are 5 facts about animal teeth that you might find interesting.

1. Animals “Floss”

I always stress the importance of flossing. Well, in their own way, animals floss too. They may not have access to waxed dental floss or floss picks, but they instinctively know the importance of removing those food particles. Animals chew on bones, bark, grass, or sticks to naturally scrape away food particles caught between their teeth.

2. Herbivores Clean Their Teeth With Fiber

Animals, such as cows and buffalos, depend on raw food that is rich with fiber. In order to easily digest that type of food, they need to chew it for a very long time so that it can be easily digested. In the process of chewing these fiber-rich foods, they unwittingly clean their teeth too. When you chew your food thoroughly, it stimulates your mouth’s production of saliva, which also cleans your teeth and prevents tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Wild Animals’ Diet Helps Keep Their Teeth Healthy

Wild animals only eat raw food and drink nothing other than water. They don’t consume flavored drinks or foods filled with refined sugars. For this reason, their teeth don’t run the risk of rotting from sugar. Sugar leads to plaque on teeth, which can dissolve enamel and lead to cavities.

4. Alligators And Sharks Replace Their Teeth Often

Certain species of sharks named Carcharhiniformes shed approximately 35,000 teeth over the course of their lifetime. Creatures with very powerful bites, like sharks and alligators, tend to replace their teeth often naturally. And the teeth of rodents (e.g., rats and mice) grow continuously to compensate for the wear that their teeth sustain due to all their nibbling and pecking. Unfortunately, humans don’t have that luxury, so take care of your teeth.

5. Dolphins Get New Enamel Each Year

Every year dolphins’ teeth get a new layer of enamel. You can actually tell how old a dolphin is by counting the rings on their teeth from the new enamel that was added. Unfortunately, human enamel doesn’t grow back, so preserve the enamel you have. Brush and floss every day, and watch your diet.

I hope you found these facts interesting. I am Dr. Slepak, your very favorite dentist. Call today to schedule an appointment: 718.998.2424. My office is located at 2464 Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn NY.