Teeth Groupings

Question 1

– teeth embedded in the incisive bone and mandible.

• Composed of I1, I2, and I3.

Answer 1

Incisors

Question 2

• robust, long, pointed and slightly curved in dogs

Answer 2

Canines

Question 3

– teeth caudal to the canine are the cheek teeth

Answer 3

Premolars

Question 4

– found in the permanent dentition

Answer 4

Molars

Question 5

• I
• POSITION AND SHAPE: Lie in the incisive bone of the upper jaw and in the mandible of the lower jaw;
• small, pointed with a single root
• FUNCTION: Fine nibbling and cutting meat; often used for delicate grooming

Answer 5

Incisor

Question 6

• C
• ‘eye teeth’
• POSITION AND SHAPE: 1 on each corner of the upper and lower jaws
• pointed, with a simple curved shape;
• single root deeply embedded on the bone
• FUNCTION: Holding prey firmly in the mouth

Answer 6

Canines

Question 7

• PM
• ‘cheek teeth’
• POSITION AND SHAPE: Flatter surface with several points known as cusps or tubercles;
• usually have 2 or 3 roots arranged in a triangular position to give stability in the jaw bone
• FUNCTION: Shearing flesh off the bone using a scissor-like action
• flattened surface helps to grind up the flesh to facilitate swallowing and digestion

Answer 7

Premolars

Question 8

• M
• ‘cheek teeth’
• POSITION AND SHAPE: Similar shape to premolars; usually larger with at least 3 roots
• FUNCTION: Shearing and grinding meat
• NB: There are no molars in the deciduous dentition.

Answer 8

Molars

Question 9

• POSITION AND SHAPE: Largest teeth in the jaw;
• similar shape to other cheek teeth; the 1st lower molar and the last upper premolar on each side
• FUNCTION: Very powerful teeth sited close to the angle of the lips
• ONLY FOUND IN CARNIVORES

Answer 9

Carnassials