Dentition Flashcards
Pig Dental Characteristics
Canine teeth are called tusks.
Tusks are open rooted.
Lower tusks are larger than upper tusks.
Molars are larger than the premolars.
Molars have a flatter surface than premolars and are used for grinding.
In most animals, enamel is irreplaceable as the cells that generate enamel are lost following the formation of the tooth. However this is not the case for porcine tusks.
Diastema
Gap in the teeth between the incisors and the cheek teeth.
Heterodont
Have various types of teeth that are specialised for different functions.
Dihypodont
Develop a set of deciduous which fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.
Temporary/Permanent dental formula cow
Temporary dental formula
0 0 3 = 20 teeth
4 0 3
Permanent dental formula
0 0 3 3 = 32 teeth
4 0 3 3
Temporary/Permanent dental formula pig
Temporary dental formula
3 1 4 = 32 teeth
3 1 4
Permanent dental formula
3 1 4 3 = 44 teeth
3 1 4 3
Cow Dental Characteristics
Brachydont incisors
Short crown, separated from the root by a clear “neck”
Hard dental pad instead of incisors on the top
No canines
Break grass rather than cut it
Cows chew from side to side
Graze for 8 – 10 hours
Ruminate for 8 – 10 hours
The surface of the teeth is uneven which increases the effectiveness of shredding the food
Gap in the teeth between the incisors and the cheek teeth.
Diastema
Have various types of teeth that are specialised for different functions.
Heterodont
Develop a set of deciduous which fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.
Dihypodont
