Eli5: Why do animals don’t have to brush their teeth ?
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i always wondered this but thought it might have something to do with the lack of added sugar and processed foods in the diet of most animals
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Because their parents may not be around to to tell them. Haven’t you seen Bambi?
Well… animals in the wild tend to die of something else first. But if you have a pet like a dog or cat, it’s actually recommended to brush their teeth or give them teeth-cleaning treats, because they have a better chance of living long enough for dental health to matter / become a risk.
For domestic animals it has a lot to do with the fact that most people feed their pets crap food. The equivalent of junk food. Most bags of kibble, or cans of food are crap. In the wild not so much because the diets of wild animals tend to (not always) take care of that for them.
Animals have different diets and lifestyles that contribute to natural dental care. Many wild animals eat a diet that naturally helps to clean their teeth. For example, the process of tearing through meat or fibrous plant material can naturally remove plaque and debris. Some animals also chew on bones or sticks, which can help to keep their teeth clean.
1. Lack of sugar and acids in the diet compared to what most people eat
2. They DO get some “brushing” action from eating plant material. Almost everything eats at least some plants.
3. You’re probably underestimating how many animals do end up with dental problems, and then they just starve and die. All the animals you see with good teeth is survivorship bias. The ones with tooth rot died so you’re not seeing them to notice it.
You are falsely assuming that non-humans do not suffer from tooth decay and gum disease later in life. They do, and if *our* reactions to broken teeth are anything to judge by, it hurts like hell.
I’ve had lots of dogs over the years. Almost never had their teeth cleaned and almost never had dental problems, even into old age.
Why? They don’t ever get fed sugary things or things like acidic fruit. They have a good diet and a daily dental stick.
Dogs with dental problems (and there are plenty) generally are the result of being fed sweets and such rubbish.
I’m sure you can extrapolate this to humans…
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