Teeth | Healthy Dogs | Animal Planet A snarling wolf reveals its deadly array of teeth. eff Foott/DCI | As omnivores, canids need a variety of specialized teeth to eat the different types of foods in their varied diets. Canids, including domestic dogs, have 42 teeth, although there are a few exceptions: The bat-eared fox has 48. Two rows of six small, curved incisors help the dog maintain a firm grip on prey, while four large, pointed canine teeth tear at it. Sixteen sharp premolars, including the carnassials, allow the dog to cut and slice flesh, while 10 powerful, grinding molars mean the dog can chew the non-flesh parts of its diet -- typically vegetables, other vegetation and grains. Normal Anatomy of the Teeth & Mouth Teeth Nutrients, or food, enter the body via the mouth. Teeth line the upper and lower jaws and are used for tearing and shredding food. Puppies have 28 teeth, while adults have 42. The exact number can vary slightly. The teeth are living tissue and are covered with enamel, the hardest substance in the dog's or cat's body.

Dentine is the next layer, and the core is called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves which nourish the teeth. The root of the tooth is buried beneath the gum. Some teeth, such as incisors, have one root, while the others, such as the upper fourth premolars, have as many as three roots. Salivary glands Saliva produced by salivary glands is mixed with food in the mouth. Saliva acts as a lubricant and contains ptyalin, an enzyme which helps break down starch in the diet. The dog has four pairs of salivary glands. The parotid, mandibular, sublingual, and zygomatic all produce saliva. Each gland has its own duct to carry saliva from the gland to the mouth cavity. Tongue and gums The tongue of a dog is a complex organ. It is used to manipulate food about the mouth and it allows the animal to drink water. In a dog, when drinking water, the water is transported from under the tongue into the mouth. Contrast this to a feline that laps water on top of the tongue. When cats drink it is relatively silent, while a dog must repeatedly thrust its tongue into the water to gulp it up.

Gulping is noisy. While gulping water, much air can be transported along with the liquid, making hiccups a common occurrence, especially in puppies. The tongue is covered with taste buds which aid in recognition of flavors. The tongue of a dog is also used for cleaning the body as well as communicating with other dogs. The gums in dogs vary greatly in normal coloration or pigmentation. Most breeds have pink gums. However, some breeds such as Chow Chows have deep blue-black gums. In some cases, the inner cheeks as well as the tongue are also darkly colored. Bad breath, medically termed 'halitosis', is a common problem reported by pet owners. The most common cause of halitosis is some sort of dental problem. Bacteria, saliva and food particles can form plaque, which causes bad breath. This can further develop into gingivitis, or worse, periodontal disease, which will make the breath even more unpleasant.

In addition to dental problems, other causes of bad breath include: Diabetes mellitus Gastrointestinal disease including cancers and obstructions Infections of areas around the mouth, such as the folds of the lips Respiratory disease, e.g.; some sinus infections Dietary "indiscretions" such as eating stool or spoiled garbage Other oral disease such as tonsillitis, cancer, trauma, and some autoimmune diseases Any pet with bad breath should be examined by a veterinarian, unless you know it's caused by something the pet ate. Some causes of bad breath can cause severe and even fatal complications if not treated promptly. Cleft palate is a skeletal disorder occasionally seen in puppies of all breeds. A cleft palate results when the bones forming the roof of the mouth do not grow normally. This results in an opening in the roof of the mouth that communicates with the nasal cavity. Puppies as young as one day old will often have milk come out their noses as they nurse. They may also inhale milk into their lungs, causing a difficulty in breathing or even pneumonia. When the puppy's mouth is examined, a slit will be seen in the roof of the mouth. The milk tends to enter the nasal passages and lungs.

Most puppies will die at an early age from pneumonia and/or malnourishment. Mild openings in the mouth roof can be surgically corrected. More severe instances cannot. Frequently, if the cleft palate cannot be surgically closed, euthanasia is advised. Foreign Bodies in the Mouth Puppies, because of their chewing nature, sometimes get foreign bodies lodged in their mouths. Bones and sticks, poultry and pork chop bones are common offenders. Commonly the objects are lodged across the upper palate between the teeth. Drooling and gagging are the most noted symptoms. Dogs are usually not really gagging, but rather manipulating their tongues in an attempt to remove the object. A foul breath odor will develop if the objects remain lodged. Many of these dogs will not eat, while others go on as if nothing is wrong. Some dogs will paw at their faces or rub their faces on the ground. If the objects are not promptly removed they may cause infections of the gums and other structures. Many patients fail to eat and lose weight. Treatment involves identifying and removing the object. Once removed, healing is usually rapid. If a mouth infection has developed, antibiotics will be required to clear the bacteria.

Puppies have 28 temporary teeth, 14 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw. These deciduous teeth erupt at about three to four weeks of age. Dogs have 42 permanent teeth, 20 on the top, and 22 on the bottom. These begin to emerge at about four months of age. Dogs have 6 permanent teeth that have 3 roots each, and 14 teeth that each have 2 roots. Puppies should lose a puppy tooth before the corresponding adult tooth emerges. If a puppy tooth is still in place when an adult tooth begins to show it is called a retained decidious tooth. If this occurs, see your veterinarian so the dog's occlusion is not affected. Studies show that by age three, 80 percent of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease. Symptoms include yellow and brown buildup of tartar along the gumline, red inflamed gums, and persistent bad breath. Facial swelling below the eye is usually due to an infection of the 4th premolar (carnassial) tooth. Sneezing and nasal discharge may be due to an infection of the upper canine tooth.

The infection may lead to an opening between the mouth and the nasal cavity. This is called an oronasal fistula. Small dog breeds are more likely to develop periodontal disease than large dogs because the teeth of small dogs are often too large for their mouths, according to veterinary dentistry experts. A broken tooth is a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. The canine teeth of working dogs are essential to allowing the dogs to carry prey and other objects. If these teeth become broken, a canine dentist can prepare a metal crown. We frequently see canine patients at our clinic with a huge fluid filled cyst located either under their jaw or within their mouth. When we say huge, we really mean what we say because some of those found below the lower jaw are larger than grapefruits. There are many other causes of swelling in this area such as puncture wounds, abscesses, infections of the teeth, and tumors, but most common relate to the salivary glands. The salivary glands, as their name implies, are responsible for the production of saliva. Several sets of them lie in the tissue area beneath the skin in the upper and lower jaw. Saliva production goes on constantly.

It continuously makes its way into the mouth through small ducts that originate within the salivary glands and course under the skin, opening directly into the oral cavity. The purpose of saliva is to lubricate the mouth, moisten the food, and begin the digestive process. Saliva breaks down starch into individual sugar molecules, both within the mouth and during chewing, and later on in the stomach and small intestine. What causes salivary cysts? Salivary cysts occur when saliva leaks from the salivary ducts into the tissues near or within the mouth. This may be caused simply by trauma to the ducts. In some instances, the duct may have been broken or it may have been bruised with the resultant swelling closing off the duct. In other cases, an abscess or tumor in the area may put enough outside pressure on the duct to pinch it off as you might a garden hose. Finally, there are instances when the glands, because of an internal inflammatory process, release a fluid that is just too thick to make its way through the tiny ducts. This again leads to an obstruction. All of these cases have the same final result.

Whether the duct was originally ruptured or not, the pressure of continued saliva production by the glands will finally cause the walls of these tiny tubes to break and allow saliva to leak into the surrounding tissue. A small amount of a fluid leaking into tissue rarely, if ever, causes a problem and will usually go unnoticed. We often give large quantities of fluids directly under the skin to a dehydrated puppy or kitten. (It is sometimes impossible to find a vein in these tiny animals for the preferred intravenous route.) It is absorbed by the blood system in a few hours and distributed throughout the body. However, saliva leaking into the tissues almost always develops into a major problem because the fluid is produced constantly and in large quantities. Additionally, possibly because of the viscosity, the body has a difficult time reabsorbing it. It simply continues to build and forms large cysts. What do salivary cysts look like? In an affected animal, we see the salivary cysts in either of two places. Typically, a large pocket of saliva will form under the jaw at the base of the neck.

It will initially be on the same side as the injured duct but after a brief period the cyst can become so large that it fills the entire area below the jaw. It feels like a thick-walled balloon filled with honey. The animal is able to breathe, eat, and drink in a normal fashion. Swallowing rarely seems to be impaired. The other area where cysts are found is within the mouth, under the tongue. They are referred to as a ranula in this location. These cysts often will cause problems with eating and drinking. They may limit normal movement of the tongue during drinking or get in the way when food is being chewed. What is the treatment for salivary cysts? When dealing with a salivary cyst, medical therapy alone is rarely successful. There are isolated instances in which a local infection or inflammation can be eliminated with medication. If the salivary duct flow has only been restricted, all may return to normal. Once the salivary duct has ruptured, however, the leakage will continue. We do not know of any case in which a duct closed or healed on its own after injury. The problem does not 'just go away.' Surgery is required in cases where saliva is leaking into the surrounding tissues.

In those animals with a large fluid-filled cyst below the jaw, the salivary glands on the affected side are completely removed. Usually this means all of the mandibular and sublingual glands on one side. Although this may seem extreme, the remaining glands respond to the increased need and adjust their production to compensate for the removal. First, the cyst is opened, and the fluid is drained, then excess tissue is removed and the skin is closed. A second incision is then made over the main body of glands and they are removed along with a portion of the duct. This is easier said than done because of the many nerves and major blood vessels in this area. In cases involving a ranula, the surgery is much more simple. The ranula is opened and its walls are basically turned inside out and sutured down to the lining of the mouth. This creates an everted pouch that slowly heals, forming a new opening for the salivary duct. The salivary glands themselves are not affected in the surgical correction of a ranula. The important point for owners to recognize is that salivary cysts should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

If the owner waits too long in a case of the cyst below the jaw, it is difficult for the clinician to determine on which side it originated. No one wants to surgically remove all the mandibular and sublingual glands from one side and then discover it was the wrong side. Help your veterinarian and your dog with an early trip to the clinic. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system. Canines have two tonsils, one each located on the sides of the oral cavity at the rear. They are found within a fold of tissue referred to as a tonsillar crypt. When enlarged, they fold out of the crypt and are easily visible with the naked eye. What are the symptoms? As with other throat and mouth irritations, many dogs will be reluctant to eat and will drool excessively because swallowing is painful. Other dogs with the same condition will swallow repeatedly. The tonsils will appear enlarged and reddened. What are the risks? As in humans, tonsillitis is seldom serious; however, it can be chronic and annoying. What is the management? The cause of the enlarged tonsils should be determined.

Streptococcus or other bacteria frequently infect the area. Antibiotics are effective if bacteria are the cause. Foreign objects, such as sticks, lodged in the throat can also cause inflammation of the tonsils. Only in severe chronic tonsillitis of unknown origin should the tonsils be removed. The canine tonsils are lymphoid tissue and therefore important in fighting diseases. When possible they should be left intact. Electronic Field Trip to the Dentist KET ED On Demand Collection Electronic Field Trip to the Dentist What are teeth made of? How can you keep them healthy and strong, and why is it so important to do that? What does a dentist do? How does a person become a dentist? In this KET “community helpers” electronic field trip for primary grades, students follow along as a young boy named Jeremy gets a dental checkup and learns about tooth care. The topics covered include how to brush and floss how eating healthy foods helps your teeth the importance of regular checkups with your dentist the work of a dentist and the tools and instruments dentists use common procedures at the dentist’s office how to become a dentist This field trip shows kids that dentists’ offices are not scary.

Instead, they are friendly places where caring people help us make sure that our own strong, healthy teeth will be chomping away for a lifetime. Grade Levels: 0-3 Resource Types: Video and Handouts Table of Contents Books and More for Teachers Electronic Field Trip to the Dentist Travel with Jeremy on this electronic field trip to a dentist’s office where he learns the importance of teeth, how to care for his teeth, and how the dentist helps him keep his teeth healthy. Loading the player... ↑ Top Pre-Viewing Activity Before showing the Electronic Field Trip to the Dentist to students, work with them to develop a K-W-L chart to determine what they already know about teeth and dental health. The following probe questions may be included in the discussion: Have you ever been to the dentist? Dentists are community helpers. How do they help us stay healthy? How are teeth important to us? How can we keep our teeth healthy? What questions do you have about teeth or dental health? ↑ Top After Viewing After viewing the video use the discussion questions, vocabulary activities, classroom extensions, handouts, and assessments to enrich and reinforce the learning experience.

Discussion Questions After watching the Electronic Field Trip to the Dentist, use these questions to gauge students’ understanding of what they saw in the program and to spark a class discussion of topics related to dental health. How does Dr. Banahan help Jeremy keep his teeth healthy? How does the dental hygienist help? Tell how the following dental equipment is important: the special dental chair Jeremy sits in when Dr. Banahan examines his teeth the bright light that shines into Jeremy’s mouth the X-ray machine ↑ Top Vocabulary Activities The following classroom activities reinforce vocabulary heard in KET’s Electronic Field Trip to the Dentist. For online reference, terms and definitions are listed on the vocabulary words page. Vocabulary Match-Up Students will work in groups of four. Make a copy of the dental health vocabulary words for each group. Cut apart the words and definitions and put the pieces in a baggie or envelope. Finally, make an overhead transparency of the dental health vocabulary page. Reinforce the vocabulary by having students work in groups to match words with definitions. Have students tape or glue their words and definitions to construction paper. Students can check their work using the overhead transparency of the vocabulary page. Crossword Duplicate the Tooth Crossword for each student ( Crossword Handout ).

Have students work independently to complete the crossword. Pair the students off and have partners compare their crosswords. Are their solutions the same? If there are differences, use a printout of the vocabulary page to find the correct words and definitions. Multiple-Choice Questions Give the five multiple-choice questions on dental health vocabulary ( Multiple-Choice Handout ) as exit slips, a review, or a quiz. ↑ Top Classroom Extensions The following classroom activities reinforce and extend concepts introduced in KET’s Electronic Field Trip to the Dentist while providing learning opportunities related to math, writing, reading, social studies, science, practical living, and vocational studies. They also include a variety of research and critical/creative thinking skills. Your Sets of Teeth ASK: How many teeth do newborns have? What does a baby eat? Why? DISCUSS: Imagine a baby having all of your teeth! Would that many teeth fit into a baby’s mouth? Newborns have no teeth that we can see, although their 20 baby teeth are formed under their gums. At first, babies can only drink liquids like milk. Then they eat soft baby food and foods such as applesauce, mashed banana, and mashed vegetables.

Baby teeth begin to push through a baby’s gums when the baby is about 6 months old, starting with the front teeth. By the time a toddler is about 2-1/2 or 3 years old, all 20 baby teeth have appeared. Would an adult’s teeth fit into your mouth? Your mouth is not the same size as an adult’s mouth. You will have two sets of teeth in your lifetime. The first are your primary or baby teeth. There are 20 primary teeth. Your first set of teeth fit perfectly in your mouth. Later, your primary teeth fall out and your permanent teeth come in. There are 32 of them. ASK: How many of you have lost a tooth? What was that like? Were you afraid? What happened? Why do you think your first teeth are small primary teeth, and your larger permanent teeth come in later? DISCUSS: Permanent teeth are larger than baby teeth and wouldn’t fit into your mouth. When you are about 6 years old, permanent molars in the back of your mouth begin to appear. Your front baby teeth may fall out to make way for permanent teeth. Up to about 12 years old, your permanent teeth replace baby teeth.

In your teenage years, the last of your permanent teeth appear. They are molars called wisdom teeth. This set of 32 permanent teeth can last a lifetime if you take care of them. ACTIVITY: Wash your hands thoroughly. Use a mirror to count the number of teeth you have in your upper jaw. Now count the number of teeth in your lower jaw. Add them together. Wash your hands again. Write the total number of teeth for each student on chart paper or the board. Collect and record the data for all class members. Make a bar graph indicating the number of teeth each student has. (The number will probably range from about 16 to 24 for primary students.) LOWER PRIMARY STUDENTS: Which class member has the lowest number of teeth? Which class member has the greatest number of teeth? UPPER PRIMARY STUDENTS: Explore landmark data. What is the range of the number of teeth class members have? What is the mode? The median? The mean (average)? Uses and Kinds of Teeth ASK: Do all of the teeth in your mouth look the same? Which are bigger? Which are sharper? Which are flatter? Why do you think you have different sizes and shapes of teeth?

DISCUSS: Teeth are used for different jobs in eating our food. They are different sizes and shapes so they can do different jobs in helping us eat. Each kind of tooth has its own function. The teeth in the front of your mouth have a different shape than the teeth in the back of your mouth because each has a different job to do. Our teeth are also important in helping you talk clearly. Your teeth have different names depending on their shapes and the jobs they do: Incisors at the front of your mouth are flat teeth used for cutting and slicing food. There are four on the top and four on the bottom. Canines (cuspids), beside the incisors, are pointed teeth used for tearing food. There are two on the top and two on the bottom. Premolars (bicuspids) and molars at the back of your mouth are used for grinding and crushing food. AMAZING FACT: Tremendous force is put on teeth to grind and chew your food. A molar may crush food with as much as 900 pounds per square inch! In comparison, a five-ton elephant standing on one leg would make a force of 120 pounds per square inch on the ground.

ACTIVITY: Using a mirror, find the four kinds of teeth you have. Locate the incisors. Draw a picture of your incisors. Locate your canines and draw a picture. Now find the premolars and molars in the back of your mouth. Draw a picture. How are these teeth alike? How are they different? Make a chart comparing the kinds of teeth. ACTIVITY: Keep track of which teeth you use in eating a saltine cracker. Take a saltine cracker and eat it slowly. Which teeth bite the cracker? Which teeth chew the cracker? Does the cracker change as you chew it? What happens to the cracker while you are eating it? DISCUSS: Incisors bite off bits. Molars chew the cracker. Saliva is mixed with the cracker bits before swallowing. The saliva makes it easier for you to swallow and is the first step in digestion. ACTIVITY: Upper teeth are attached to bone in the skull, while lower teeth are attached to the jawbone. After cleaning your hands, hold your mouth open by gripping your bottom jaw. Can you close your mouth? When you chew, only your lower jaw moves. ACTIVITY: List what you have eaten today.

Without incisors, which foods would be difficult to eat? ACTIVITY: You need teeth to speak clearly. Your teeth work with your tongue and lips to make the sounds that make up words. Try saying the word “teeth” without touching your teeth with your tongue. What happens? When you say certain sounds, your tongue presses against your teeth (“th”). In some sounds, you need your upper and lower teeth to make the sound (“c”) or you need your upper teeth and lips (“f”). Say the alphabet slowly and find out which letters need the use of your teeth to say the letter clearly. Make a list of these letters. There are lots of them! Parts of a Tooth Tooth Parts Student Handout DISCUSS: Layers of a Tooth: The inside of a tooth is not the same as the outside. If you sliced a tooth in half and made a cross-section, you would see that a tooth is not the same all the way through. It has several layers: Enamel is the outer white layer that protects your tooth from damage. It is the hardest material in your body. Enamel protects the softer center of the tooth. Dentin makes up most of your tooth. It is a hard yellow bone-like material below the enamel.

Pulp is inside the dentin at the center of each tooth. It contains blood vessels that feed the tooth and nerves that allow you to have feelings in your tooth when you eat. The nerves help you feel heat, cold, and pain in your teeth. DISCUSS: Parts of the Tooth: When a permanent tooth is extracted, you can see all of its parts. When primary teeth come out, you will notice that they have a crown and neck but not a root. The enamel above your gum is called the crown. The neck of the tooth is at the gum line. The root is below the gum and holds your tooth in place in your jawbone. The gum is not a part of your teeth. It is the soft pink skin that covers your jawbone and helps hold your teeth in place. ACTIVITY: Work with a partner to label the layers of a tooth and the parts of a tooth using Tooth Parts Student Handout . Taking Care of Your Teeth MATERIALS: DISCUSS: Taking care of your teeth includes keeping them clean, protecting them, and eating nutritious foods. Remember these five things to keep your teeth healthy: Brush twice a day. Visit the dentist for regular checkups. Use a mouthguard when necessary.

ACTIVITY: Your friend Kayla tells you that she does not need to brush and floss because it takes too much time every day. Write a persuasive letter convincing Kayla about the importance of caring for her teeth. ACTIVITY: Make up a song or poem about taking good care of your teeth. Share it with your classmates and friends. DISCUSS: Brushing your teeth helps keep teeth and gums healthy. HOW: Use a child-size soft-bristled toothbrush and a small dab of toothpaste. Try not to swallow the toothpaste. Gently move the toothbrush up and down and in circles. Brush the top teeth down from the gums. Brush the bottom teeth upward from the gums. Brush flat surfaces. Rinse your mouth with water. It should take about two to four minutes to clean all of your teeth front and back. WHEN: Brush your teeth at least two times a day, especially after breakfast and before you go to bed. If teeth are cleaned every 24 hours, then bacteria will not make enough acid to damage them. WHY: Tiny bits of food stay in your mouth when you eat. If you don’t brush, bacteria make acids and plaque.

Plaque is the clear sticky layer of food and bacteria that forms on and between teeth when they are not cleaned. Bacteria can grow down into your gums and cause bleeding and swelling. It can gradually harden and become tartar, leading to gum disease and cavities. Cleaning teeth with a toothbrush and floss removes plaque and prevents cavities. ACTIVITY: Keep a daily calendar of your tooth brushing for one week ( Toothbrushing Chart ). ACTIVITY: What is the favorite toothpaste of students in your class? Survey all of the students in your class to find out. Make a list of toothpaste brands and gather your data. ACTIVITY: Collect toothpaste ads from magazines. Analyze and evaluate the ads. How do the ads persuade you to buy that brand of toothpaste? Do the ads have bright colors? Do they have snappy, persuasive words? Are there eye-catching designs? ACTIVITY: Pretend you have invented a new toothpaste! What will your new toothpaste taste like? What color will it be? What will you name your toothpaste? Draw a toothpaste tube and write your toothpaste’s name on it. Add color, pictures, and designs. Now make a magazine ad for your new toothpaste.

Use words and pictures to persuade people to buy your toothpaste. DISCUSS: Fluoride helps protect your teeth from cavities by making the enamel stronger. Most city water supplies have fluoride added so your teeth will be protected. Most bottled water does not contain fluoride. If your water supply does not contain fluoride or if you drink only bottled water, use fluoride toothpaste or fluoride mouthwash to help prevent cavities. ACTIVITY: Call your local government offices to find out whether fluoride is added to your water supply. Bring in empty toothpaste boxes and try to find the word fluoride on the list of ingredients. DISCUSS: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth and under the gum line where toothbrushes can’t reach. You may need help from an adult to floss your teeth. Move the floss back and forth between teeth. FANTASTIC FACT: Brushing removes only two-thirds of the food particles on your teeth. The other third is between your teeth and needs to be removed by flossing. LEARNING CENTER ACTIVITY: Collect several Styrofoam egg cartons. Cut off the flat top, saving the egg holder portion. On each egg holder, make a cut 1/2 inch deep.

Explain that the cuts are like the tight spaces between our teeth. Provide 12-inch pieces of dental floss. Have students practice “flossing” the cuts. DISCUSS: Nutrition and Teeth: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and green vegetables contain calcium, a mineral that keeps your teeth strong. The bacteria in your mouth grow and multiply when there is sugar in your mouth. The bacteria and food particles make plaque on your teeth. They make acids that damage the enamel and cause cavities. Starches such as chips and crackers also turn to sugar in your mouth. Saliva reduces the acids made by bacteria. It also mixes with your food to make chewing and swallowing easier. Choose lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and milk products to help your teeth stay healthy. Drink water or milk instead of cola. Look at the Food Pyramid. Limit foods from the top section of the Pyramid (the “Use Sparingly” section). To keep your teeth healthy, avoid drinking sweet drinks such as cola. Avoid snacking on sticky, sugary foods and crackers. If you do snack between meals, eat foods like fruit, cheese, vegetables, and nuts. By eating foods that contain little or no sugar, you can reduce plaque.

REMEMBER: Sugars and Starches + Bacteria = Acids that can cause decay. ACTIVITY: Sort the following snacks into two groups: (1) Healthy for My Teeth or (2) Not Healthy for My Teeth. carrot sticks candy bar grapes ACTIVITY: Collect food wrappers from a variety of foods. Read the wrappers and sort them according to whether they have sugar or no sugar. Be careful: Sugar may be hidden in foods under names like sucrose, fructose, dextrose, and corn syrup. ACTIVITY: Acids can destroy enamel on teeth. Demonstrate this process using eggs. Place a whole egg, with the shell, in a glass with vinegar, an acid. Place another egg in a glass of water. After a day, have students observe the two eggshells and record the differences. What effect does acid have on an eggshell? ACTIVITY: Healthy teeth give you a beautiful smile! Work together to cut out pictures of smiles from magazines. Make a Smile Collage and put it up in your classroom. What a happy feeling! ACTIVITY: Brainstorm a list of all of the words for eating. Add them to the word wall.

Include words such as bite crunch lick DISCUSS: Visiting the dentist: Your dentist is important in helping keep your teeth healthy. When you go to the dentist for a checkup, your teeth will be cleaned, removing plaque. Plaque contains germs that make the acids that cause cavities. The dentist examines your teeth and may take X-rays. If you have a cavity, your dentist will repair the tooth. Dentists also look to make sure that your teeth are growing correctly and that your gums are healthy. Your dentist or dental hygienist will also help you learn how to brush and floss so that you can take care of your teeth. DISCUSS: Using a mouthguard: Use a mouthguard to protect your teeth when you are playing sports that may injure your mouth. When accidents happen, a tooth may be broken or chipped. You grow only one set of permanent teeth, so you need to take good care of them to keep them from damage. Animal Teeth Tooth Count Bar Graph DISCUSS: Animal teeth are adapted for getting and chewing food. They can also be used for other purposes, such as protection or even building their homes! Animals that eat meat are called carnivores.

They have large canine teeth to hold and tear meat. Wolves, tigers, cats, and dogs are carnivores and have lots of sharp canine teeth. They need these strong, sharp teeth for catching and holding their prey. They bite their prey and tear the meat into pieces. They do not chew their food well, swallowing it whole or in large chunks. Some fish have teeth to help them catch their prey. Animals that eat only plants are called herbivores. A herbivore’s long front incisors have sharp edges that are good for cutting grass and leaves. They have large molars at the back of their mouths for grinding and crushing the stems, leaves, fruits, seeds, and roots of plants. Their flat molars are used for grinding the plants. The long front incisors of beavers and squirrels can break into nuts and seeds. Squirrels crack nutshells with their teeth. (Don’t you try that!) Beavers, squirrels, and other rodents have teeth that keep growing all their lives. They sharpen their teeth by gnawing as they eat. Grazing animals such as horses, cows, and sheep need their large back molars for grinding up grass and grain.

Animals that eat both plants and animals are called omnivores. They have both canines and molars. Are you a carnivore, a herbivore, or an omnivore? Animals have a much simpler diet than people do. Animals that don’t have teeth have to use other body parts to capture and eat their food. Lizards and frogs use their tongues to snap up food. Some birds use their beaks to tear food before they swallow it. Seed-eating birds use their beaks to crush the seeds. The blue whale and the anteater have no teeth. How do animals clean their teeth? You use a toothbrush to clean your teeth, but animals clean their teeth by chewing and gnawing. Some animals defend themselves or their babies with their teeth. Monkeys scare enemies by baring their teeth. Teeth can also be used as weapons against enemies. Elephant tusks are long teeth outside an elephant’s mouth. They are used for protection from enemies or digging for water. Walruses use their tusks to dig up shellfish from the floor of the ocean. A snake has two hollow teeth called fangs in its upper jaw.

When a snake bites its prey, poison can squirt through small tips in the fangs. Some animals use their teeth for building. A beaver’s incisors can cut through a tree trunk! The beaver uses the tree trunks for building a dam in the river. The beaver’s teeth wear down, but they keep on growing so they are always sharp. Some animals also use their teeth for digging or making tunnels. Sharks have several rows of teeth. They grow out of the shark’s skin and are not anchored in the jaw. When a shark’s front teeth wear away or fall out, the teeth in the second row move forward. Sharks replace their teeth as long as they live. Other animals like dogs and cats have two sets of teeth, like people do. ACTIVITY: (for lower primary) Teeth or no teeth? Use a T-chart to classify animals ( Teeth: No Teeth T-Chart ). ACTIVITY: (for upper primary) The teeth of animals are adapted to eat plants, meat, or both plants and meat. Classify animals according to what they eat. Use the chart on Animal Diets Chart . ACTIVITY: Research how birds manage to grind their food.

Since birds do not have teeth to chew their food, how is their food digested? (Hint: What is a gizzard, and what role do stones play in the digestion?) ACTIVITY: You have about 20 teeth. Your teacher and other adults have about 30 teeth. Compare that number with dogs, which have 40 teeth. Alligators have about 70 teeth. Some toothed whales have more than 200 teeth. Sharks have thousands of teeth in their lifetime. A tiger shark sheds more than 2,000 teeth every year! The giant anteater has no teeth. It crushes the ants it eats on rough lumps on the roof of its mouth. Birds, lizards, and frogs don’t have teeth. Birds use their beaks to tear or crack food before they swallow it. Using Tooth Count Bar Graph , create a bar graph showing the number of teeth of a bird, a primary student, an adult person, a dog, and an alligator. ACTIVITY: Choose an animal that has teeth. Research to find out: Where does your animal live? What is its habitat? How many teeth does the animal have? What does your animal eat?

Is your animal a herbivore, a carnivore, or an omnivore? How are your animals’ teeth adapted to getting and eating its food? ACTIVITY: Create an animal! What is your animal’s name? Decide what your animal will look like, where it will live, and what it will eat. Think about the kind of teeth it will need to get and eat its food. Draw a picture of your animal in its habitat getting and eating food. Do You Want To Become a Dentist? Guide your students as they think about dentistry as a career. DISCUSS: Dentists finish high school, and then they attend college for four years. After college, they go to dental school, learning about teeth and gums. Dentists must be able to read information from dentistry journals and from their patients’ charts and records. They use science and math as they mix materials and medicines to repair teeth. Dentists use their artistic ability as they sculpt fillings. They must have good communication skills to talk with their hygienists and explain procedures to their patients. Some dentists do further study and have special jobs in their field.

Dental specialties include these jobs: endodontist: a dentist who treats infections deep within the tooth forensic dentist: uses information from teeth and bones to help solve crimes oral surgeon: a dentist who performs surgery on the mouth and jaw orthodontist: a dentist who aligns and straightens teeth using corrective appliances such as braces pediatric dentist: a children’s dentist periodontist: a dentist who cares for gums ACTIVITY: Interview your dentist by phone or in person. Ask about what he or she studied in school. How are reading, math, science, and art necessary in a career as a dentist? ACTIVITY: Invite a dentist or dental hygienist to your classroom to speak about dental care. Tooth Customs and Traditions Around the World DISCUSS: In the United States, when a child loses a tooth, it is put under the child’s pillow. Then the Tooth Fairy takes the tooth and leaves money. In some countries, children put their teeth where the Tooth Mouse can find them. They hope their new teeth will be as strong and sharp as a mouse’s teeth! Other cultures have different traditions. In Sweden, the tooth is put in a glass of water. In Greece, it is thrown on the roof for good luck.

And in Mexico, the tooth is placed in a small box. ACTIVITY: Research tooth traditions around the world or ask people from other cultures what their tooth traditions are. ACTIVITY: Use creative thinking to brainstorm what the Tooth Fairy could do with all of those teeth that are collected. Write a story or make a picture about one way the Tooth Fairy might use the collected teeth. ACTIVITY: Have you ever wondered what the Tooth Fairy looks like? Draw a picture or write a paragraph describing the Tooth Fairy. ↑ Top Student Handouts The following handouts are print-ready PDF files. See the individual activity pages for instructions and related discussion topics. Jeremy wants to keep his teeth healthy. A. Draw three things Jeremy can do to keep his teeth healthy. B. Label each picture. Scoring Guide 4. Student draws three things a person can do to ensure dental health. They may include three of the following: brushing teeth, flossing teeth, eating nutritious foods, visiting the dentist for regular checkups, or using a mouthguard when necessary. Student correctly labels each item. 3. Student draws two things a person can do to ensure dental health and labels them correctly, or draws three things a person can do to ensure dental health and labels only two correctly.

2. Student draws only two things a person can do to ensure dental health and labels only one correctly. 1. Student draws one thing a person can do to ensure dental health. Upper Primary Prompt Jeremy wants to keep his teeth healthy. A. List three things Jeremy can do to keep his teeth healthy. B. Explain why each is important in tooth health. Scoring Guide 4. Student lists three things a person can do to ensure dental health. They may include three of the following: brushing teeth, flossing teeth, eating nutritious foods, visiting the dentist for regular checkups, or using a mouthguard when necessary. Student explains fully the importance of each of the three items on his or her list: Brushing keeps teeth healthy by removing plaque. Germs on your teeth make acid and plaque. The acids can make holes (cavities) in the enamel of your teeth. Flossing removes food particles from between your teeth. Again, germs eat the food particles and make acid that can damage teeth. Eating nutritious foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and green vegetables gives your teeth calcium, a mineral that keeps teeth strong. Sugar causes germs in your mouth to multiply and make more acids, which damage teeth.

During a visit to the dentist, your teeth will be cleaned (plaque removed) and any necessary repairs made to cavities. When playing sports that may injure your mouth, you should use a mouthguard to protect your teeth from breaking or chipping. 3. Student lists three things a person can do to ensure dental health and correctly explains only two. 2. Student lists and correctly explains only two things a person can do to ensure dental health. 1. Student lists two things a person can do to ensure dental health, with limited or no explanation of their importance to tooth health. (See printer-friendly version for Vocabulary Activity.) bacteria – tiny germs. Those in your mouth can create acid which can cause tooth decay.

braces – wires which put pressure on teeth to move them into correct position calcium – mineral which makes teeth and bones strong canines (cuspids)- pointed teeth at the sides of your mouth that are used to tear food cavity – a hole in a tooth caused by decay crown – the part of the tooth that shows above the gum dental hygienist – a person who cleans teeth, takes dental X-rays, and helps patients learn how to care for their teeth dentin -the layer of a tooth below the enamel dentist – a doctor who takes care of teeth digestion – breaking down food so that it can be used by the body enamel – the hard white outside layer of a tooth filling or amalgam – material the dentist puts into a cavity to stop tooth decay floss – special thread used to clean food and plaque from between teeth fluoride – a mineral which may be added to water or toothpaste to make enamel stronger gum – soft pink skin that covers the jawbone and surrounds the necks of teeth incisors – flat front teeth used for cutting molars – wide grinding teeth at the back of the mouth permanent teeth – teeth that replace the primary teeth plaque – a sticky film with germs that forms on your teeth and can cause cavities primary teeth – a person’s first

 set of teeth, often called baby teeth pulp – blood vessels and nerves at the center of the tooth root – the base of the tooth.

The root holds the tooth in the jawbone. saliva – the watery liquid in the mouth that mixes with food and helps digestion toothbrush – a small brush for cleaning teeth X-ray – a special photograph showing the bone structure inside the body. Dentists use X-rays to see between and inside teeth. Books and More for Teachers Some resources related to teeth, dental care, and dentistry for primary students: Music “Brush Your Teeth,” from Raffi’s Singable Songs for the Very Young Poems “Crocodile’s Toothache” by Shel Silverstein, in Where the Sidewalk Ends Books How many teeth does a dog have? | Reference.com How many teeth does a dog have? A: Quick Answer Adult dogs have 21 teeth in each jaw for a total of 42 teeth. Puppies have 14 teeth in each jaw and 28 total teeth until they shed their milk teeth for adult dentition. Full Answer Puppies begin to achieve adult dentition at an age of 3 weeks. The main difference between the dental formula of puppies and fully grown dogs is that puppies lack molars. Molars are the most rearward teeth with large, ridged grinding surfaces for gnawing.

Premolars, which puppies do have, are smaller than molars. The premolars are the transitional teeth between the cone-shaped, tearing canines and the multiple-ridged, gnawing molars. Dog Owner's Guide: Canine Teeth Open wide Introduction Fangs for grabbing and puncturing, incisors for nibbling, premolars for tearing, and molars for crushing bone -- although the family pet is far more civilized than his wild relatives, he still has the same equipment for eating, grooming, greeting, and defense. Like humans, dogs have two sets of teeth in their lives. The 28 baby teeth erupt through the gums between the third and sixth weeks of age. Puppies do not have to grind much food, so they do not have molars. Puppy teeth begin to shed and be replaced by permanent adult teeth at about four months of age. Although there is some variation in breeds, most adult dogs have 42 teeth, with the molars coming last, at about six or seven months. The order of tooth replacement is incisors first, then canines (fangs), and finally premolars.

The teething period can be frustrating; the puppy clamps his mouth on everything he can reach, from body parts to Johnny's $80 sneakers, in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. Teething can be accompanied by drooling, irritability, and fluctuations in appetite. Boomer has six incisors on the upper jaw and six on the lower. He uses the incisors to nibble shreds of meat from bones and to groom himself and other dogs. Mutual grooming is a greeting and bonding behavior in dogs that maintains pack order. Dominant and submissive dogs both groom each other, but the solicitation and order of grooming is quite specific. The dominant dog can seek grooming or deliver it whenever he wants to do so; the submissive dog must wait to be asked or approached. Owners of two or more dogs can learn a lot about their pets by watching mutual grooming sessions. Canine teeth are the scary ones. They conjure up mind-pictures of ferocious wild creatures and lead to fear of mild-mannered dogs that happen to show their teeth a lot. Wolves use their fangs to grab and rip their prey; dogs use them to hold objects in their mouths and to defend themselves when necessary.

Four premolars line each side of the upper and lower jaws in back of the canines. These are the shearing teeth, used to rip great hunks of flesh from prey animals. Although they no longer hunt for survival, dogs can still eat in the manner of wolves � by grabbing meat with the premolars and ripping it off the bone. Dogs use their premolars to chew on rawhides, bones, and other chew toys. They hold the toy between their paws and grab it with these strong pointed teeth by tilting their jaws to the side. The top jaw has two molars on each side, and the bottom jaw has three. These are the crushing teeth, use by wolves to crack caribou bones and by dogs to finish off a large biscuit. Like people, dogs can have tooth problems ranging from retained baby teeth and malocclusion to tooth decay. Since a healthy mouth depends on healthy teeth, pet owners should periodically check pet teeth, provide chew bones and toys, use biscuit treats so Boomer has to exercise his jaws, and feed a kibbled diet. The roots of baby teeth should be absorbed as adult teeth erupt, but if this absorption is retarded, the baby tooth does not give way to the new tooth.

Retained baby teeth can cause a bad bite -- a malocclusion -- that can lead to tooth decay and other problems later on. If a baby tooth does not fall out when the adult tooth grows in, it should be removed Bite A dog's bite is the way his teeth fit when his upper and lower jaws are closed. The standards for most breeds call for a "scissors bite," in which the upper incisors just overlap and touch the lower incisors. This arrangement prevents wear on the incisors and keeps the teeth in alignment. A level bite is one in which the incisors meet edge to edge. A level bite is acceptable, but not ideal. Overshot and undershot jaws are two common bite problems. An overshot jaw is one in which the upper jaw is longer than the lower, causing the teeth to overlap and not touch. When permanent teeth erupt in the lower jaw of an overshot bite, they may damage the soft tissue in the roof of the mouth. Some lower teeth may have to be pulled to prevent this damage. An undershot jaw is on in which the bottom jaw is longer than the upper jaw.

Although this is generally a problem, a few breeds such as Boxer, Boston Terrier, and Bulldog have naturally undershot jaws. In most breeds, overshot and undershot jaws are forbidden in the show ring. Breeders try to avoid breeding dogs with jaw problems so the puppies inherit good tooth formation and jaw growth. Puppies with these jaw problems are sold as pets. In the wild, a wolf or coyote with an overshot or undershot jaw would not be as successful in killing prey or in eating. Although dogs don't have to hunt their prey, a dog with a severely overshot or undershot jaw could also experience some eating problems and may have difficulty playing fetch or Frisbee . Decay Although dogs do not generally have cavities in their teeth, Boomer can develop tooth problems if his diet includes soft foods that can leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the teeth. The debris leads to infections, which soften the gums and cause them to recede. Such infections cause foul breath odor, which should be a clue to visit the veterinarian. If let go, this disease can lead to tooth loss. Tartar, a precipitate of calcium salts, builds up on teeth in hard water areas.

Tartar can build up and lead to increased gum disease and, ultimately, to tooth loss. Tartar buildup increases with age. It can be removed from teeth by rubbing with a solution of three percent hydrogen peroxide or a weak one-percent solution of hydrochloric acid. Advanced tartar buildup may require sedation of the dog and scraping with dental instruments. Pet owners can prevent or alleviate gum decay by feeding kibbled foods and hard biscuits to scrub the teeth, by keeping soft foods that can leave debris to a minimum, by providing hard rubber or nylon toys for chewing, and by brushing Boomer's teeth a couple of times each week. When brushing teeth, use baking soda or a special toothpaste formulated for dogs, not toothpaste for humans.. Open wide Dog teeth can be intimidating, but Boomer must never get the idea that he can use his teeth to control people. Just as you manage his comings and goings, you should be able to manage his use of his teeth. A puppy should learn to open his mouth on command so you can assess gum and tooth health, remove a foreign object, check for injuries or tumors, and give medicine or vitamins.

Since puppy teeth serve as a primary tool for examining their environment, for greeting pack members, and for testing the pack hierarchy, and since puppies also grab things to relieve the discomfort of teething, some early lessons in bite inhibition are necessary. But puppies hate to have their mouths handled, so some strategy is in order. If a puppy grabs a body part, yell "Owwww." Don't pull away, because sharp puppy teeth can scratch tender skin. Don't yell at him, just yelp in "pain" an easy task, for puppy teeth do hurt. When he lets go, give him a toy he's allowed to grab and shake and worry. If he tries to grab again, shake him lightly by the scruff of the neck. Don't pick him up off the floor and shake him like a rag -- just shake gently. If he still insists on biting your hand or ankle or grabbing your pant leg, put him in his crate for a time-out. Don't let a mouthy puppy play with small children without supervision, and don't let children encourage nipping and grabbing by waving their hands, toys, or food near the puppy's face. Don't free feed puppies.

Along with making it more difficult to housetrain a puppy that has constant access to food, free feeding takes control of the food out of your hands and puts it directly under the puppy's mouth. To condition a puppy to handling his mouth, start by lifting his lips and looking at his teeth. Check him two or three times a week and give him a treat each time. To examine a puppy's mouth, place your right hand across his muzzle with your thumb on his lip just behind a canine tooth. Grasp lightly. Hold him still with your left hand. Say "Open," push your thumb into his mouth, and lift up on the upper jaw. Do this two or three times a week and give him a treat after each success. If you can handle Boomer's teeth without fear or frustration, you can easily give him his monthly heartworm pill or medication prescribed by the veterinarian and remove anything from his mouth. You can also teach him to drop something that's in his mouth by first removing the object from his mouth and then encouraging him to give it to you.

Although dogs don't generally hear the call of the wild to hunt and kill their meals, they have the teeth for seizing, tearing, and crushing and the instinct to use those teeth for defense, social bonding, and chewing. Pet owners who understand canine behavior can teach their dogs to use their teeth in a manner acceptable in the human-canine pack while they keep watch on the health of those teeth. The benefits far outweigh the frustration of teaching that rowdy pup to keep his teeth off fingers and furniture and to open his mouth on command. Norma Bennett Woolf This page is a part of the Dog Owner's Guide internet website and is copyright 2014 by Canis Major Publications. You may print or download this material for non-commercial personal or school educational use. All other rights reserved. If you, your organization or business would like to reprint our articles in a newsletter or distribute them free of charge as an educational handout please see our reprint policy. Teeth: Facts (Science Trek: Idaho Public Television) Videos Teeth: Facts Smile! Show off those teeth. Strong teeth are a sign of good overall physical health. Without them, you can't eat or even speak well. Your teeth are important. What Is a Tooth? Teeth are like bones.

They are alive. They start forming before you are born and continue to develop until you are an adult. Teeth form inside the jaw and are nourished and protected by the pink tissue that surrounds them. That pink tissue is called the gums. The crown is the part of the tooth you can see above the gums, but there is a lot more to your teeth. The tooth is made up of five parts. The enamel is the white covering on the top. It is the hardest substance in your whole body. The layer under the enamel that you can't see is the dentin . It makes up most of the tooth and isn't as hard as the enamel. The pulp is under the dentin and it is the softest part of the tooth. It is made up of nerves and blood vessels. It is what hurts when you get a toothache. The root is what holds the tooth in place and a thin layer of tissue called the clementum protects it. How Many Teeth? Kids have about 20 teeth by the time they turn 3 years old. This first set of teeth are called milk teeth, baby teeth or primary teeth. By the time you are five or six, your first permanent teeth will start coming in.

The permanent teeth lie just beneath the roots of the baby teeth. As a permanent tooth grows, it puts pressure on the baby teeth. That pressure causes the root of a baby tooth to dissolve and the baby tooth falls out. The permanent tooth then moves into place. By the time you are an adult, you should have 32 teeth. Mammal Teeth Mammal teeth are called heterodonts , meaning they have two types of teeth — the primary teeth and the permanent teeth. Mammals have four types of teeth, each with a specific task to handle for different kinds of food. Incisors are used for cutting. Canines are for tearing. Premolars are used for crushing, and molars are used to grind up food. Not all mammals have all, or even any, of each kind of tooth. It all depends upon what kind of food the animal eats. Humans have: Eight incisors — four in your upper jaw and four in your lower jaw in the front of your mouth. Incisor means “biting tooth” and these teeth help you bite into your food. Four canines — two in your upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. Your canines are located next to the incisors.

Canine means “like a dog.” These teeth are pointed and are used to stab and tear at food. Eight molars — four in your upper jaw and four in your lower jaw. These teeth in the back of your mouth help you grind your food. Different Kinds of Animals Have Different Types of Teeth Carnivores need long canine teeth so they can grip and kill prey quickly. Their incisors strip flesh from bones. They don't need molars for grinding food. They have teeth that slice meat — these are called carnassial teeth, not molars. Herbivores do not have upper incisors because they cut the plants with their lips instead. All herbivores need their molars (the big flat teeth at the back of the mouth) for grinding the mouthfuls of food. A herbivore's molars are big and ridged for better grinding. Omnivores have teeth that are used for many different things. Like grasping, cutting, grinding, and slicing. This is especially true for humans. Yes, humans are omnivores, meaning they eat meat, fruits and veggies! Insectivores have teeth that are square with sharp points that are perfect for tearing up insect bodies.

Taking Care of Your Teeth Ancient Egyptians believed that a mixture of onions, spices and incense would cure a toothache. Today, we know that toothaches happen when you don't take care of your teeth. When you eat, bits of food particles are left on your teeth. When sugars combine with bacteria in your mouth, plaque forms. The plaque forms acids that can eat a hole in the tooth. This is called a cavity . Left untreated, the cavity can spread into the dentin and then into the pulp. If bacteria gets into the pulp, it can cause the blood vessels to swell and press on the nearby nerves. Ouch! Now you have a real toothache. Do animals get cavities? You bet! Especially if they don't take care of their teeth. Even animals get cavities! Check out the bear's filling! Plaque can also harden into a chalky substance called tartar . Tarter can cause gum disease. If your gums aren't healthy, they can't protect your teeth. If the gum disease gets really bad, you can lose a tooth. And gum disease can also lead to other health problems like heart disease and strokes. So taking care of your teeth is important for your whole body!

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy You can prevent cavities and gum disease by brushing at least twice a day. You should use a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles. Brush with short, angled strokes. Brush the front and back sides of your teeth and don't forget to brush your tongue too! That will help keep your breath fresh. When brushing, you should brush for 2 minutes on your upper teeth and 2 minutes for your bottom teeth. You should brush in the morning, the evening, and after eating meals! Be sure to rinse your brush well and get a new brush every three months. No time to brush after a meal? Be sure to rinse your mouth out well with water to help clean away as many food particles as possible until you can get to your toothbrush! Besides, germs love a dry mouth. So, if you drink lots of water to help wash away leftover foods, there will be fewer places for bacteria to grow! Besides brushing, you should also floss once a day. Flossing removes food and plaque from between your teeth — places your toothbrush cannot reach. This is also a great way to help prevent gum disease. You should also make regular visits to your dentist and eat right.

Candy and other sticky, sugary foods are bad for your teeth. Eating a good healthy diet, brushing and flossing often, and visiting your dentist regularly are the best way to keep a healthy smile! Going to the Dentist Even if you don't have a toothache, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year to check your teeth. When you visit the dentist she will examine your teeth and gums, and either the dentist or the dental hygienist will clean your teeth to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Dentists and hygienists use special tools to clean and check your teeth. The dentist will use an explorer to check and clean around your teeth. It is a metal tool with a hook on the end. Dentists also use a small suction tube to suck the water and saliva out of your mouth. The dentist will also use a mirror to help get a better look at all the surfaces of your teeth. If the dentist finds any cavities they will take an X-ray of your teeth, remove the decayed part of the tooth and put in a filling to prevent further decay. Piece of cake! Well, maybe that's not the best choice of words . . .

but going to the dentist is pretty painless these days! Wild and Wacky Facts Who has the most teeth? On land the mammal with the most teeth is the Giant Armadillo, which can have as many as 100 teeth in its jaws. In the oceans the real tooth master is the long-snouted spinner dolphin. They can have as many as 252 teeth in their long thin jaws. These teeth are more like reptile teeth because they are all the same basic shape, thin sharp little spears. These teeth are good for catching and holding the little fishes that dolphins eat. Shark lose teeth throughout their life and they grow new ones to replace the lost teeth. As soon as one falls out, another one takes its place. Poisonous snakes have specialized teeth called fangs. Fangs are hollow teeth that pierce skin and inject poison. Rats gnaw all the time to help wear down their teeth. If they didn't wear down them down, their bottom teeth would continue to grow longer — potentially right into their brain. Some animals dig with their teeth, while others use their teeth for self-defense or displays of power, such as when males fight for territory or for females.

Wild pigs dig with their tusks, which are actually canine teeth. Even the mighty walrus will use its large canine teeth to anchor itself to ice while sleeping. Can you believe this? Our first president, George Washington, did not have teeth made out of wood, but he did have teeth made out if hippopotamus teeth. He also had teeth made out of ivory, lead, human teeth, and cow and sheep's teeth. In the early 1600s, Japanese women blackened their teeth. They thought it showed loyalty to their husbands. Eww . . . yuck! In the ninth century, Mayans filed their teeth into different shapes and decorated them with jewels. Today, some people get “grillz” to impress their friends. What do you think? Think jewelry on your teeth is cool? Maybe, but not if you wear it for an extended period of time — it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. So, if you do add some sparkle to your smile, be sure to take care of the teeth underneath so you don't lose all your shine!

Teeth Misalignment in Dogs | petMD Teeth Misalignment in Dogs Malocclusion of Teeth in Dogs Normally, a puppy will have 28 baby teeth once it is six months old. By the time it reaches adulthood, most dog breeds will have 42 teeth. A misalignment of a dog's teeth, or malocclusion, occurs when their bite does not fit accordingly. This may begin as the puppy's baby teeth come in and usually worsens as their adult teeth follow. The smaller front teeth between the canines on the upper and lower jaws are called incisors. These are used to grasp food and to keep the tongue inside the mouth. Canines (also known as cuspids or fangs) are found behind the front teeth, which are also used to grasp. Behind the canines are the premolars (or bicuspids) and their function is to shear or cut food. Molars are the last teeth found at the back of the mouth and they are used for chewing. Fractures If problems with the palate persist, a fistula may result and become infected.

In cases of misaligned teeth (or malocclusion), the dog may have difficulty chewing, picking up food, and may be inclined to eat only larger pieces. They are also prone to tartar and plaque build-up. There are several types of diagnosable malocclusion: Overbite (sometimes called overshot, Class 2, overjet, or mandibular brachygnathism) Underbite (also called undershot, reverse scissor bite, prognathism, and Class 3) Level bite (sometimes called even bite) Open bite (front teeth don’t meet each other when mouth is closed) Anterior crossbite (canine and premolars occlude normally but one or more lower incisors are in front of the upper incisors) Posterior crossbite (one or more premolar teeth overlap the upper teeth) Wry mouth or bite (one side of jaw grows longer than the other) Base narrow canines (lower teeth protrude inward and can harm the upper palate) The tips of the premolars (the teeth right behind the canines) should touch the spaces between the upper premolars, which is called the scissor bite.

However, it is normal for flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) such as Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos not to have scissor bites. With an overbite, the upper jaw is longer than the lower one. When the mouth is closed, a gap between the upper and lower incisors occurs. Puppies born with an overbite will sometimes have the problem correct itself if the gap is not too large. However, a dog's bite will usually set at ten months old. At this time improvement will not happen on its own. Your pet's overbite may worsen as the permanent teeth come in because they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary. Causes The way the upper teeth align with the lower teeth is called occlusion. It is normal for most breeds to have a slight overlap of the upper front teeth. When the jaw is closed, the lower canine (fang) should fit in front of the upper canine. Most cases of malocclusion have a hereditary link.

Oral and Dental Anatomy of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Oral and Dental Anatomy of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith Email Article The mouths of animals have several functions; not only do they take in food and water, they also aid in grooming, cooling, and communication. Oral and dental care is very important to the health and well being of pets. To understand the complexities of the mouth and teeth, it is important to first understand their anatomy. Tongue and gums The tongue is a very complex organ. It is made up of a system of muscles enabling the intake of food into the mouth and manipulating it to allow the animal to chew and swallow. Even among carnivores, the tongue functions differently. For example, when dogs drink water, the water is transported from under the tongue into the mouth. When cats drink, the water is transported from the top of the tongue. This difference is especially noticeable in sound: a drinking cat is relatively silent while a dog has to gulp more as he manipulates his tongue in the water and in his mouth. Hiccups in dogs, especially puppies, are common as dogs tend to swallow more air when drinking.

The tongue is usually pink in color. Dogs may have an occasional dark blue-black marking, while certain breeds, such as the chow, have a totally blue-black tongue. The tongue is covered with taste buds that distinguish flavors. The tongue is also used as a grooming tool. The feline tongue is covered in backwards-facing, barb-like structures called "papillae" that wash, smooth, and dry the coat; they also aid in the removal of meat from bones. The gums are most often pink in color but can vary among species. In the dog, like the tongue, the gums, as well as the inner cheeks, can have patches (or solid pigmentation) of dark blue to black. Salivary glands Dogs and cats have four pairs of salivary glands: parotid, mandibular, sublingual, and zygomatic. Ferrets have an additional pair, the molar salivary glands. Each gland has its own duct that carries saliva from the gland to the mouth cavity. Saliva keeps the inside of the mouth lubricated, makes the swallowing of food easier, and contains enzymes that can help begin the digestion of food.

In animals that pant, saliva also aids in cooling animals through evaporation off of the tongue. Bones The upper jaw is called the "maxilla" and the lower jaw is called the "mandible." The shape of an animal's skull affects the positioning of the teeth. In dogs and cats, there are three major types of head shapes: Brachycephalic: short, wide muzzle. For example, Pekingese, Pugs, and Persians. Mesaticephalic: medium length and width muzzle. For example, Golden Retrievers, terriers, most cats, and ferrets. Dolichocephalic: long, narrow muzzle. For example, the Doberman Pinschers, Greyhounds, or Oriental cats. Teeth Types of teeth Mammalian carnivores have teeth that line the upper and lower jaws.

There are four types of teeth with different functions: Incisors: cutting and nibbling food Canine teeth: holding and tearing food Premolars: cutting, holding, and shearing food Molars: grinding food Numbers of teeth Many mammals, including dogs, cats, and ferrets are "diphyodont" meaning they have two sets of teeth, one set (called "deciduous") being shed and replaced by a permanent set. Although the exact number can vary, puppies have 28 deciduous (temporary or "baby") teeth, and adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. Feline kittens have 26 deciduous teeth, and adult cats have 30 permanent teeth. Ferret kits have 30 deciduous teeth, with adults having 34. Tooth eruption In kittens and puppies, the deciduous teeth begin to erupt at about 3-4 weeks of age and the permanent teeth begin to emerge at about 3-4 months of age. By 24 weeks of age, usually all of the permanent teeth have emerged.

In ferrets, the deciduous teeth also start to erupt at about 3 weeks, but the permanent teeth start to emerge between 7 and 8 weeks, and by 10 weeks, most of them are present. Animal 2-4 weeks 7-10 weeks A deciduous tooth should be lost before its permanent replacement appears. When a carnivore has both a permanent and deciduous tooth at the same site, it is referred to as a "retained deciduous tooth." These need to be removed surgically to prevent abnormal alignment of the permanent tooth. Tooth anatomy Each tooth has a crown (located above the gums) and a root (located below the gums). Some teeth, such as incisors, have one root, while others, such as the largest cutting premolar, called the "carnassial tooth," has as many as three roots. A tooth is composed of the following structures: Pulp: The pulp is at the center, or core of the tooth, and consists of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels that nourish the tooth. Most of the nerves and blood vessels to the tooth enter through the apex (bottom) of the root.

Special cells in the pulp, called "odontoblasts" form dentin. Dentin: The majority of the tooth is made up of dentin, which surrounds the pulp. Dentin is as hard as bone but softer than enamel. Dentin is a tissue that can detect touch, heat, and cold. Primary dentin is dentin that is formed before tooth eruption; secondary dentin is dentin that is continually formed throughout the life of the tooth. As the secondary dentin forms, the pulp chamber reduces in size. The dentin of the crown is encased in enamel and the dentin of the root is covered by cementum (see explanation below). Tooth Anatomy Enamel: Enamel is the hardest tissue in the mammalian body and is formed before tooth eruption. Just before the tooth erupts through the gums, the formation of enamel stops and is lost gradually over the life of the tooth. Although enamel is very hard, it is brittle, too, often subject to chipping. The tissues that surround the teeth are called the "peridontium" and consist of the alveolar bone, periodontal ligaments, cementum, and gingiva.

Alveolar bone: The alveolar bone forms the jaw and the sockets into which the roots of the teeth extend. Periodontal ligaments: This tough tissue helps to hold the tooth in the socket. It attaches to the cementum of the tooth and the alveolar bone. Cementum: Cementum is hard, calcified tissue that covers the dentin of the root and is slowly formed throughout the life of the tooth. It assists in supporting the tooth in the jaw and in root repair. Gingiva: The gingiva, also called the "gums," is the soft tissue that covers the rest of the peridontium. Lateral canal: The lateral canal is a very small channel that connects the root pulp to the periodontal tissue through which small blood vessels run. Summary Understanding oral and dental anatomy is the first step in providing proper dental care. Become familiar with the anatomy of your pet's mouth so you will be better able to detect problems early. References and Further Reading Berkovitz, BKB; Holland, GR; Moxham, BL. Oral Anatomy Histology and Embryology. 3rd ed. 2002: 168-179. Hawkins, J.

Applied Dentistry for Veterinary Hospital Staff. Waltham USA Inc. Vernon, CA; 1993: 3-14. Holmstrom, SE. Canine dental disease. In Holmstrom SE (ed.) The Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice: Canine Dentistry 1998 (September): 1049-1056. Loyd, M. Ferrets: Health, Husbandry, and Diseases. Blackwell Science Ltd. Bodmin, Cornwall, England; 1999. Lyon, KF. Endodontic therapy in the veterinary patient. In Holmstrom SE (ed.) The Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice: Canine Dentistry 1998 (September): 1203-1236. RELATED ARTICLES:

Question: Which animals have 42 teeth in adulthood?
Answer: Dogs