Dental formula

Question 1

A good way to remember the order of the dental formula is by working front to back. Incisors, Canines, Pre Molars & Molars .

Answer 1

Touching your own teeth or a pets could help you better visualize this.

Question 2

Before we start, let’s address the multiplication. When calculating the dental formula we need to remember the maxilla and mandible (upper & lower jaw) are seperated in half (think back to the birds eye view). So when adding any dental formula you need to remember your 2 multiplication.

Question 3

Let’s look at the rabbit dental formula. 2(I2/1, C0/0, P3/2, M3/3). Instead of dividing the fractions like taught in elementary you’re going to ____________ all the in-bracket numbers together.

Answer 3

add.
2+1=3
3+2=5
3+3=6
=14

Question 4

Now that we know all the numbers in brackets together equals 14, next we need to ________ that by _________ to get 28.

Answer 4

multiply by 2.
2x14=28

Question 5

Let’s try another, the adult cat dental formula! 2(I3/3, C1/1, P2/3, M1/1). First, add the in bracket numbers together.

Answer 5

3+3=6
1+1=2
2+3=5
1+1=2
=15

Question 6

Now that we know all the fractions have been added up and equal to 15, we can ________ that by ________.

Answer 6

multiply by 2.
2x15=30

Question 7

Let’s try the dog dental formula, this one is all you!
2(I3/3, C1/1, P4/4, M2/3)

Answer 7

3+3=6
1+1=2
4+4=8
2+3=5
=21x2
=42 teeth total

Question 8

Why is the dental formula split up with fractions?

Answer 8

These aren’t your fraction fractions, these “fractions” are just a quick, less wordy way of saying “the upperjaw has 3 incisors and so does the lower” - It’s important to remember these “fractions” should be looked at with same logic regular fractions have. The top number is the numerator or upper jaw, the bottom number is the denominator or lower jaw

Question 9

Solve this dental formula for a ferret
2(I3/3, C1/1, P3/3, M1/2)

Answer 9

3+3=6
1+1=2
3+3=6
1+2=3
=17x2
=34 total teeth