The history of dental hygiene in the human species has not always been of a steady course or concern. It was not until the 1800s that a community swine or horsehair toothbrush was made available in some outlying towns for those concerned enough to give a seldom brush in passing. Today, most of us are aware and more active in the front to keep our mouths clean and healthy.
In the animal kingdom, things have remained relatively unchanged for thousands of years. The various needs of the animal kingdom's massive array of mouths, snouts, and beaks, have long been sorted out in different and sometimes quite interesting ways. So, how exactly do animals take care of or "brush their teeth" in the wild? Here is a brief list of some animals and the unique ways in which they go about maintaining their mouths.
Monkeys
Monkeys may display the very most ingenuity in this area, behind humans. While there are many varieties of this animal all over the world, most of them use a particular assortment of materials found in their environment to chew and rub away debris and plaque on their teeth. Such is their proficiency that, in fact, there have been several types of monkeys observed using hair as floss to clean between their teeth.
Beavers
Beavers are infamous wood-chewers, creating wondrous dams in nature and are notorious for causing problems on private woodlands and farms. Did you know, though, that much of this behavior is a matter of necessity in dental hygiene? The often unmentioned truth about this animal is that its teeth continue to expand and grow, and if they do not regularly chew as they are known so well for doing, their teeth will become an actual obstruction and a health danger.
Sharks
Sharks are carnivores that patrol the world's many waterways in search of the best prey. Without actual limbs, however, it is a wonder they can have any effect in the dental hygiene arena whatsoever. Consciously, this is true - sharks cannot and don't proactively demonstrate any behaviors of mouth maintenance. Ecologically though, these predators of the depths have found an interesting way to maintain a healthy mouth. While constant movement through the water in addition to "cleaning fish" activities helps keep things clean, sharks grow many rows of replacement teeth, all ready for their turn in action.
Dogs
Man's best friend, the dog, utilizes a quite simple, straightforward, and recognizable dental hygiene habit - chewing. By chewing on a variety of materials with varying hardness and textures, dogs efficiently scrub off much of the stuck-on plaque, debris, and bacteria which pose an eventual detriment if left. In addition to this benefit, chewing also provides excellent jaw bone and muscle maintenance, and sometimes even a dose of entertainment and psychological release as well.
Ants
Ants disinfect their mouths and bathe themselves and their young in a kind of poison that kills a whole array of small life forms, from bacteria to fungus spores. To obtain the lurid substance, the ants "milk" it from their acidopore duct, and from there, get to cleaning. Thirty-seven chemicals make up this potent mixture, and it can even sometimes be used to help turn away predators otherwise all too happy to have ants for the main course.
Cats
In the wild, cats big and small rely on much the same basic chewing method as their canine counterparts in the pursuit of dental maintenance. Unfortunately for cats, however, their teeth are more narrow and sharp, making them more susceptible to breakage if carelessly exposed to too much stress. Grass and other softer materials are therefore the preferred chew materials for cats in search of a cleaner mouth.
The animal kingdom may not have the tools and brains we have, but regardless, animals find a way to do their best in keeping their mouths maintained. Without proper maintenance of some sort, health issues can quickly arise in animals, just as they would in a human if this area of the body is neglected for too long. These are just a few interesting examples of the many ways in which animals "brush their teeth," or try to keep their mouths clean and healthy, just like humans.
About the Author
Dr. Marichia Attala is a leading Periodontist in Nassau County. Learn more by visiting her website at NassauCountyPeriodontist.com
Additional References
Comments
Post a Comment
Posts with links will not be approved