It’s no secret that kids love animals. Most adults do, too. Finding common interests is a great way to connect with your children over something fun and educational. Here are some fun facts about animals and their teeth you can share with your children. Hopefully, this will help create an opportunity to associate healthy oral care habits with something fun that they will remember.
1. Even though it only looks like hippos have four teeth, they actually have 40. Their canine teeth are the largest of any animal coming in at around 3 feet long.
2. Each molar in an elephant’s mouth can weigh up to 10 pounds.
3. It’s no secret the largest mammal on Earth is the Blue Whale. But did you know they have no teeth? This is why their diet consists mostly of tiny shrimp called krill.
4. Snails teeth aren’t in the usual place. They’re on their tongue. In fact, they have 25,000 tiny teeth on their tongues.
5. Sharks lose teeth every week. They have rows and rows of them. That’s certainly one way to keep them sharp.
6. Moose only have bottom teeth. Bet they look pretty silly when they smile.
7. Bunnies have baby teeth and adult teeth just like humans. Only they lose their baby teeth before they are even born.
8. Have you ever seen a whale that looks like a unicorn? The Narwhal Whale’s horn that sticks straight out of its head is actually a tooth. It’s used to taste the water around it to find food and can grow up to 8 feet long.
9. Dolphins only get one set of teeth to last their whole life. But that’s ok because they swallow their food whole, anyways. Their teeth actually help scientists tell their age because they have rings on them like a tree trunk.
10. Frogs and Toads both swallow their food whole, too. But, frogs actually have teeth while toads are toothless.
Hopefully, these fun facts taught you something new and brought a smile to you or your child’s face. Having them pick one of their favorite facts and hang it up by their bathroom sink is a great way to get them thinking about teeth every morning and night. Studies show healthy oral care habits from an early age lead to healthier teeth for a lifetime. To make an appointment or for any questions call Dr. Abelar’s San Diego office today at 858-866-9692.
