As a group of dentists, we have the privilege of working on teeth of all shapes and sizes. But have you ever wondered about the teeth of animals? Specifically, horses, cows, and tusked animals? Well, hold onto your hats because we’ve got some fun facts for you!
Let’s start with horses. Did you know that horses have teeth that continuously grow throughout their lifetime?[1] That’s right! Because horses are grazing animals who munch on tough grasses all day, their teeth are designed to wear down quickly. So, to keep up with their daily eating habits, their teeth must grow continuously to replace the worn-down bits.
Moving on to cows – did you know that cows have a very complex digestive system and their stomach contains 4 unique compartments to help digest their food! [2] In addition, cows have a powerful set of molars and premolars that allow them to break down tough plant fibers and extract all the nutrients they need.
But what about tusked animals? The tusk of a narwhal is actually a tooth that has grown to be up to ten feet long. Narwhals are sometimes called “unicorns of the sea” because of their long, spiraling tusks! [3]
In conclusion, while we may focus on human teeth in our daily practice, it’s always fun to learn about the unique teeth of animals. Next time you find yourself looking at a horse, cow or bull, take a moment to appreciate the incredible teeth that allow them to thrive in their natural habitats. And always remember – keep those teeth healthy, no matter what species you belong to!
References:
[1] https://learninghorses.com/horses-teeth-never-stop-growing/
[2] https://animalagalliance.org/do-cows-really-have-four-stomachs/
[3] https://animalcorner.org/blog/animals-with-tusks/