Have you ever wondered what it would be like if animals had to sit in the dental chair like we do? Imagine a crocodile nervously gripping the armrests or a beaver getting braces. While we obviously won’t see a gorilla flipping through magazines in a waiting room, there’s actually a lot we can learn from the way animals use, protect, and even clean their teeth.
As your trusted Idaho Falls dentist, we think it’s fun to look at the wild side of dental care—and maybe pick up a few lessons along the way.
Table of Contents
Crocodiles: Nature’s Dental Cleaning Hack
Crocodiles have over 60 teeth, and when one falls out, another one grows in its place. But the real shocker? They get dental cleanings from tiny birds! Egyptian plovers fly into their open mouths and peck away at leftover food and plaque. It’s a mutual win—free food for the bird and a clean mouth for the crocodile. While this may sound convenient, we still recommend floss over feathers.
Sharks: The Ultimate Tooth Replacement Plan
Sharks lose thousands of teeth over their lifetimes. Some species can replace a tooth in just one day. Their teeth grow in rows, moving forward like a conveyor belt. While humans can’t do that (yet), it’s a good reminder to take care of the teeth we do have. Regular cleanings with a dentist in Idaho Falls can help you keep your original smile healthy for years.
Beavers: Natural Braces?
A beaver’s teeth never stop growing, which is why they’re constantly chewing on wood. It wears down their teeth and keeps them from becoming dangerously long. Their orange color comes from iron in the enamel, which actually makes them stronger! If your teeth were constantly growing, you’d probably chew on things too.
Elephants: The Power of Molars
Elephants go through six sets of molars in their lifetime, each larger than the last. When their final set wears down, it can actually limit their ability to eat. That’s how important chewing is to survival—even in the animal kingdom.
Snails: Yes, They Have Teeth (Thousands!)
Snails have microscopic teeth on a structure called a radula. They use it to scrape and grind food. Some species have over 14,000 teeth! While you won’t need that many dental X-rays, it’s fascinating how evolution has created so many variations of “teeth.”
What Humans Do Better
Despite all the fascinating adaptations, there’s one big thing animals don’t have—dentists! They rely on nature to clean, replace, or wear down their teeth. Humans, on the other hand, have the advantage of modern dental care. And trust us, that’s a good thing.
We don’t grow new teeth in a day like sharks or have birds clean between our molars. But we do have professional tools, technology, and training to keep your teeth healthy—without the need for tree trunks or bird beaks.
Take a Cue from Nature—But See a Dentist
Observing how animals handle dental care can be fun and educational, but when it comes to your own oral health, nothing beats a professional approach. Brushing and flossing daily, avoiding excess sugar, and visiting your Idaho Falls dentist regularly are still the best ways to protect your smile.
Next time you see a video of a hippo opening its massive jaws or a walrus flashing its tusks, think about what their dental day would look like—and be glad your appointment involves a reclining chair and minty toothpaste instead.
