Do Wild Animals Ever Have Teeth Complications?

We all know how important it is that we brush and floss our teeth every day, not to mention visit the dentist twice a year. It’s also important that we brush our pets’ teeth too, whether we have dogs, cats, or even horses. So what do animals in the wild do to ward off cavities and gum disease? Turns out they don’t have to do much.

Diet

A major reason why wild animals don’t need professional dental care is their diets. Many animals spend a lot of time chewing their food, much of it rich in fiber, which cleans their teeth at the same time. Animals also chew on sticks, barks, bones, and grass to help clean their teeth after big meals. Since animal diets don’t contain acids or refined sugars, they don’t need to worry about plaque and cavities like we do! Human diets are more carbohydrate-rich, leading to plaque that can turn into cavities and decay if left untreated.

Lifespan

It’s pretty morbid to think about, but wild animals need not worry too much about dental care because their lifespans are shorter than humans’. Many animals won’t reach an age when they’ll need dentures!

Different Dental Patterns

Sharks have rows and rows of teeth, which shed frequently over time, and alligators grow new teeth quickly as well. Imagine if humans had the same problem! We wouldn’t have as many dental complications as animals like sharks and alligators do, although our smiles would be much more crowded.

Mother nature always has a way of working itself out, which is why wild animals can keep their teeth healthy even when they don’t have fancy tools at their disposal. While humans must do more to take care of their teeth because of our diets, lifespan, and dental growth patterns, it has never been more easy or pain-free to maintain your oral health. At Parkside Family Dental, we want to make your dental care as comfortable, convenient, and affordable as possible. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!