Squirrels are small mammals that are known for their playful nature, bushy tails, and quick movements. One interesting fact about squirrels is their teeth. These tiny animals rely on their teeth for many essential activities like eating and chewing through tough materials. Let’s take a closer look at how many teeth squirrels have and why their teeth are so important.
How Many Teeth Do Squirrels Have?
Squirrels have a total of 22 teeth. These teeth include four incisors (two on the top and two on the bottom) and 18 cheek teeth, which include premolars and molars. Each of these teeth serves a specific purpose, allowing squirrels to eat and thrive in their environment.
Incisors: The Front Teeth
The incisors are the most noticeable teeth in a squirrel’s mouth. They are large, sharp, and grow continuously throughout the squirrel’s life. These teeth are orange in color due to a layer of enamel, which makes them very strong. The incisors are mainly used to bite and gnaw on hard objects like nuts, seeds, and tree bark.
Unlike human teeth, squirrel incisors never stop growing. This is because squirrels gnaw so much that they need constantly growing teeth to replace what gets worn down. If their incisors stopped growing, they would wear out and make it impossible for the squirrel to eat.
Cheek Teeth: Premolars and Molars
The cheek teeth, which are found at the back of the mouth, include premolars and molars. Squirrels use these teeth to grind and chew their food. These teeth are not as visible as the incisors but are equally important.
Cheek teeth help squirrels break down food into smaller pieces, making it easier to digest. Whether they are eating fruits, seeds, or other plant material, the molars and premolars play a key role in their survival.
Why Do Squirrels Need Sharp Teeth?
Squirrels’ teeth are essential for their survival because of their diet and lifestyle. They use their sharp incisors to gnaw through tough foods like nuts and seeds. These foods often have hard shells that would be impossible to break without strong teeth.
Squirrels also use their teeth for self-defense. If threatened, they can bite predators or other animals to protect themselves. Their sharp incisors make them capable of delivering a strong bite.
Lastly, their teeth help them build nests. Squirrels often use their incisors to gnaw on twigs, branches, and other materials to construct their homes in trees or other safe spots.
What Happens If a Squirrel’s Teeth Grow Too Long?
Because a squirrel’s teeth never stop growing, problems can arise if they grow too long. Overgrown teeth can make it hard for a squirrel to eat, which can lead to starvation.
In the wild, squirrels naturally wear down their teeth by chewing on hard materials like nuts and tree bark. However, if a squirrel cannot gnaw enough, its teeth may grow uncontrollably. This is why gnawing is such an important behavior for squirrels.
In some cases, overgrown teeth can even pierce a squirrel’s jaw or face, leading to infections or other health issues. This is rare in the wild but can occur in squirrels kept in captivity if they don’t have access to the right materials to chew on.
How Do Squirrels Keep Their Teeth Healthy?
Squirrels maintain healthy teeth by chewing regularly. Their natural diet includes foods that are tough to crack, which helps file their teeth down naturally. Some common foods in their diet include:
- Nuts and seeds: These have hard shells that help wear down their incisors.
- Tree bark: Chewing on bark helps keep teeth sharp and healthy.
- Fruits and vegetables: While softer, these still require chewing and provide important nutrients.
In addition to their diet, squirrels’ constant gnawing behavior is critical for preventing overgrowth and keeping their teeth in top shape.
Are Squirrels Born With Teeth?
No, baby squirrels, also known as kits, are not born with teeth. Like many other mammals, they are toothless at birth. Their teeth start to grow in after about three weeks.
The incisors are the first teeth to appear. As the squirrel grows, its premolars and molars develop, allowing it to chew solid foods. By the time the squirrel is fully grown, it will have its full set of 22 teeth.
Do Squirrels Lose Their Teeth?
Squirrels do not lose their teeth like humans do. Their teeth are permanent and continue to grow throughout their lives. This constant growth ensures that their teeth remain functional even with constant use.
However, a squirrel can damage or break a tooth. If this happens, the tooth will continue to grow and eventually repair itself as long as the squirrel is healthy.
What Makes Squirrels’ Teeth Special?
Squirrels’ teeth are unique because of their continuous growth and their enamel coating. The enamel on their incisors is harder than human enamel, making their teeth extremely durable.
Another special feature is the orange color of their incisors. This color comes from iron in the enamel, which adds strength and makes the teeth resistant to wear and tear. This adaptation allows squirrels to gnaw on hard objects without damaging their teeth.
Conclusion
Squirrels’ teeth are one of their most important features. With a total of 22 teeth, including continuously growing incisors and strong cheek teeth, squirrels can eat, defend themselves, and build nests with ease. Their teeth are perfectly designed for their diet and lifestyle, making them well-adapted to survive in various environments. By understanding how their teeth work, we can appreciate these fascinating animals even more.
FAQs
1. How often do squirrels use their teeth?
Squirrels use their teeth constantly. They chew food, gnaw on materials, and even use their teeth for defense. Their teeth are in use almost every day.
2. Do squirrels’ teeth ever stop growing?
No, a squirrel’s incisors never stop growing. This continuous growth helps replace the parts of the teeth that wear down from chewing and gnawing.
3. Can a squirrel survive if it loses a tooth?
Yes, a squirrel can survive if it loses a tooth, as long as the tooth grows back properly. Their teeth are designed to regenerate and grow continuously.
4. Why are a squirrel’s teeth orange?
The orange color of a squirrel’s teeth comes from a layer of enamel that contains iron. This makes the teeth strong and resistant to wear.
5. How can you tell if a squirrel has healthy teeth?
A squirrel with healthy teeth will be able to eat, chew, and gnaw without difficulty. Signs of dental issues include difficulty eating, drooling, or visible overgrowth of the teeth.
