Teeth

Nutrition

Teeth Functions

• Functions of Teeth:– Increase surface area for chemical / or microbial

degradation– Cutting of foodstuffs to be presented to mouth– Protective• Inflict wounds

– Kill Prey• Food gathering (for carnivores)

Types of Teeth• Incisors (I)– Most forward– Used for cutting

• Canines (C)– Also fangs, eye teeth, tusks– Used for tearing and separation of food mass

• Premolars (P)– Just caudal to canines– Used for grinding and chewing

• Molars (M)– Larger than premolars– Used for grinding and chewing

Dental Formulas

• Represent one side of mouth• Numerator = top teeth• Denominator = bottom teeth

• Animals can be aged by teeth eruption and wear– Deciduous vs. Permanent Teeth

Cow/ Sheep/ Goat: I 0/4 C 0/0 P 3/3 M 3/3 = 32

Sheep

Cattle

Goat

Mediterranean islands.

PigI 3/3 C 1/1 P 4/4 M 3/3 = 44

Pig

Horse

Horse

Humans: I 2/2 C 1/1 P 2/2 M 2/2 = 32

Look at the person next to you!

Canine: I3, C1, P1, P2, P3, P4, M1, M2

Canine

Canine

Feline:2(I 3/3 C1/1 P 3/2 M 1/1) = 30

Feline

Digestive System: Congenital And Inherited Anomalies Of The Digestive System

• http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/htm/bc/cat_img_20000.htm

Will’s Skull Page: LIST of species featured in this website:

• http://www.skullsite.co.uk/lists.htm

GP

• The dental formula is 2(I 1/1, P 1/1, M 3/3) = 20. All teeth are open-rooted.