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Veterinary Education Online (view source)
Revision as of 17:13, 12 January 2009
, 17:13, 12 January 2009no edit summary
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Teeth develop differently in different regions of the mouth in most species, a process called heterodonty. In some animals teeth develope identically in different regions of the mouth, a process called homodonty. A mixture of homodonty and heterodonty can occur. Different species will have varying numbers of teeth and different shapes depending largely on diet.
Not all species possess teeth and there is huge variation in dental formulae between the species that have teeth. Teeth are mainly used for mastication - chewing and grinding food particles, but are also used for seizing prey and tearing. The occlusion surface is where opposing teeth touch. The contact surface is where adjacent teeth touch.
Gingiva wrap around the neck of each tooth forming the gums. The gums are useful clinically in assessing health status of an animal.
[[Oral_Cavity_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology_-_Flashcards#Teeth_.26_Gingiva_Flashcards!Try testing your dental knowledge using these Flash cards]]
[[Oral_Cavity_-_Teeth_%26_Gingiva_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Oral Cavity - Topic Continues...]]
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