Why don’t animals’ teeth decay?
What is the reason that keeps animals’ teeth healthy even though they do not brush them?
We all know the importance of brushing our teeth regularly to prevent cavities and gum disease. But have you ever wondered why animals, who never brush their teeth, don’t seem to suffer from the same dental problems as we do? The answer may surprise you: some animals do get tooth decay, but not for the same reasons as humans.
Tooth decay, or caries, is a condition where the hard tissues of the teeth, such as enamel and dentine, are damaged by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches in our food and drinks, and release acids that erode the minerals in our teeth. Over time, this can lead to holes or cavities in the teeth, which can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.
Humans are especially prone to tooth decay because of our modern diet, which is rich in processed and refined foods that contain a lot of sugar and carbohydrates. These foods stick to our teeth and provide a feast for the bacteria, creating an acidic environment that harms our teeth. That’s why we need to brush our teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and visit the dentist for check-ups and treatments.
But what about animals? Do they have the same problem? The answer is not so simple. Animals have different diets, different teeth, and different lifestyles than humans, and these factors affect their dental health in various ways.
Some animals, such as sharks and rodents, have teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives or are replaced frequently by new ones. This means that they don’t have to worry about tooth decay, because their teeth are always fresh and strong. Other animals, such as crocodiles and some birds, have symbiotic relationships with other creatures that help them clean their teeth. For example, the Nile crocodile allows the Egyptian plover, a small bird, to enter its mouth and pick out bits of food and parasites from its teeth. This benefits both the crocodile and the bird, as the crocodile gets a free dental service, and the bird gets a meal.
However, not all animals are so lucky. Some animals, especially primates, do get tooth decay, but mostly on their front teeth, rather than their back teeth like humans. This is because they use their front teeth to suck out the sugary juices from fruits, such as figs, which can damage their enamel. A recent study by Dr Ian Towle and colleagues from the University of Otago, published in the American Journal of Primatology, used a 3D-imaging technique called micro-CT scans to examine more than 8,000 teeth from 11 different primate species. They found that 3.3% of the teeth had caries and that most of them were on the front teeth. They also found that female chimpanzees had more caries than males, which may be related to their hormonal cycles or social behaviors.
The researchers also compared the teeth of living primates with those of fossil humans and found that the patterns of tooth decay were similar, with less than 5% of the teeth affected. However, they noted that tooth decay increased dramatically in humans after the onset of agriculture, when people started to consume more grains and processed foods. This suggests that tooth decay is not a natural or inevitable condition, but rather a consequence of our dietary and cultural changes.
Other studies have also confirmed that tooth decay is not exclusive to humans and that it can affect a wide range of animals, depending on their diet and oral environment. For example, a study by Dr Krista Charles and colleagues from the University of Bristol, published in Scientific Reports, analyzed the teeth of 54 million-year-old primates and found that they had cavities caused by bacteria. Another study by Dr Lata Kelagar and colleagues from the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal, and Fisheries Sciences University, published in the Times of India, explained that tooth decay is common in pets like dogs, which eat cooked food and junk food like biscuits.
So, what can we learn from animals about our dental health? First, we can appreciate the diversity and complexity of nature, and how different animals have adapted to their environments and diets in different ways. Second, we can realize that tooth decay is not a universal problem but rather a specific one that affects humans and some primates more than others. Third, we can understand that tooth decay is largely preventable by avoiding foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates and by maintaining good oral hygiene habits. By doing so, we can protect our teeth and smile with confidence.
