Rabbit Medicine and Surgery: Self-Assessment Color Review, Second Edition, Q&A 07

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Question	Answer		Article
What are the dental formulas (deciduous and permanent) of the rabbit?	Deciduous: I 2/1 C 0/0 P 3/2 M 0/0		Link to Article
Describe the normal dental anatomy and function.	The occlusal surface of the larger first incisors is chisel-like in lateral profile (about 45° upper, 30° lower) by virtue of the differential distribution of enamel on the labial and lingual sides. The smaller second upper incisor, usually known as the ‘peg tooth’ and a characteristic of lagomorphs, is located just caudal to the first, such that the tips of the lower incisors come to rest just between the two. Unlike most rodents, the incisor enamel is non-pigmented. There is then a gap (the diastema) between the incisors and the premolars. The latter are of similar morphology to the molars and so together they are often referred to as the ‘cheek’ or ‘molariform’ teeth. These possess transverse ridges and the plane of the occlusal surface is approximately 10° to the horizontal. Rabbits are anisognathous, meaning that the distance between the left and right upper cheek tooth arcades is greater than that of the lower cheek teeth so the buccal edge of the upper arcade just occludes with the lingual edge of the lower arcade. The temporomandibular articulation is dorsal to the longitudinal occlusal. The mobile lips and rostral tongue prehend the vegetation, which is cropped by the vertical, scissor-like action of the incisors. However, the gnawing function of the incisors is performed by a rostrocaudal movement of the mandible. The food material is then moved caudally by the tongue and ground by the lateral movement of the mandibular cheek teeth. A consequence of the anisognathism is that mastication takes place on alternate sides, but in equal measure, and utilizing the entire width of the occlusal surface.		Link to Article

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