Question

Write the Dental Formula of rabbits?

Answer 1

Teeth are used for eating, grooming, and defense. Mammals are heterodont means, they have teeth of different sizes, and shapes which are specialized for different tasks. Mammals have the following types of teeth. Incisors(I), Canine(C), Premolars(P), and Molars(M). Mammals have two sets of teeth: a deciduous set of milk teeth and permanent teeth. A formula is used to indicate the number of each type of tooth for a given species called dental formula. Only one-half of the jaw is described because the jaw is bilaterally symmetrical.

Complete answer:
Rabbits are herbivores. Their teeth are classified as elodont (continuous growth with no anatomic root) and hypsodont (having a long crown). They lack canine teeth which creates an elongated diastema between the incisors and premolars. Their lower jaw is narrow as compared to the upper jaw, this condition is called anisognathism. Due to having a maximum gap of 20-25 degrees, the evaluation of the teeth and dental procedures is difficult.
The part of the teeth visible from above the gum line is called the clinical crown, while the portion below the surface is the reserve crown. Since the growth of teeth is continuous, they also do not have a true root, but instead, have an apex from which new growth emerges.
The upper incisor has hard enamel on the rostral surface and soft dentin on the lingual surface. There is an interesting arrangement of the upper incisor in that the second incisor is behind the first incisor. The second incisor is also called the peg tooth.
At rest, the opposing incisors, premolars, and molars remain in contact. While eating, rabbits use the incisors to cut the food using a vertical, chopping motion. Once the food is passed to the cheek teeth (premolars and molars), a rotating horizontal stroke is used to grind the food.
Any process that impedes the normal eruption and wear of elodont teeth will cause dental disease, which can be of four types; congenital, traumatic, metabolic bone disease, and abnormal wear.
The dental formula of the rabbit is as follows: 2( I= 2/1, C=0/0, PM=3/2, M=3/3 )=28. 2 main incisors top and bottom, 2 tiny incisors behind the main top ones, and 22 premolars and molars- each side has 6 on the top and 5 on the bottom.

Note:
The dental anatomy of animals is quite variable. Based on the pattern of growth and morphology, mammals have two distinct types of teeth. Brachydont or low-crowned teeth: Seen in humans, carnivores such as dogs, and cats. This type of teeth has a crown above the gingiva (gingiva is a constricted neck at the gum line), and a root embedded in the jaw bone. Hypsodont or high-crowned teeth: Example includes all of the permanent teeth of the horses and cheek teeth of ruminants. This type of tooth has a body below the gum line, and a root embedded in the alveolus of the jaw bone.