Why animals don’t need to brush their teeth like humans

As humans we need to clean our teeth regularly to prevent cavities, while animals seem to have healthy teeth without using toothbrushes or toothpaste....Read Full Article >>➤

As humans, brushing our teeth daily is one thing we cannot do without, but have you ever wondered why animals who also have teeth do not need to do the same?

With humans, we need to clean our teeth regularly and sometimes even twice a day to prevent cavities and gum disease, animals in the wild seem to have healthy teeth without using toothbrushes or toothpaste.

In case you’re wondering, here are some reasons why;

Natural diets help clean their teeth

One major reason animals do not need to brush their teeth is their diet. Unlike humans, who eat processed foods, sugary snacks, and drinks, wild animals consume natural foods.

For example, herbivores like deer eat fibrous plants, which help scrub their teeth as they chew. Carnivores, such as lions, tear through raw meat and bones, which naturally clean their teeth by removing plaque and food particles.

Less sugar means fewer cavities

Sugar is one of the biggest causes of tooth decay in humans. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that damage tooth enamel. Since wild animals do not consume sugary foods or drinks, they rarely develop cavities.

On the other hand, domestic pets like dogs and cats, which eat processed pet food, may develop dental problems, so they sometimes need their teeth cleaned.
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Chewing and gnawing keep teeth healthy

Many animals naturally maintain their teeth through chewing. Rodents like rats and rabbits have teeth that grow continuously, so they must gnaw on hard objects such as wood or bark to keep their teeth from getting too long.

Carnivores chew on bones, which helps remove plaque, while herbivores grind plants, which naturally cleans their teeth.

Saliva helps protect their teeth

Animal saliva is different from human saliva. It contains special enzymes that help break down food and kill bacteria. This reduces the risk of cavities and infections. Also, some animals, like dogs, produce more saliva, which helps wash away food particles from their teeth.

Shorter lifespans reduce dental issues

Many wild animals do not live as long as humans. Because of this, they may not experience the same long-term dental issues that humans face.

In the wild, if an animal does develop severe dental problems, it might struggle to eat and survive. However, since their natural lifestyle helps keep their teeth strong, such issues are less common.

With these reasons in mind, it begs the question: if we lived like wild animals, would we also not need to brush our teeth?