Many animals have teeth, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish. Some invertebrates, such as snails and insects, also have teeth-like structures.
Animals have different ways of keeping their teeth clean. Some, like humans, use their tongues to remove food particles and bacteria. Others, like rodents, have constantly growing teeth that are worn down by chewing on tough foods. Some animals, such as crocodiles, have specialized glands in their mouths that secrete enzymes to clean their teeth.
Yes, some animals can get cavities. This is more common in animals that consume a lot of sugary or starchy foods, such as domesticated pets like dogs and cats. In the wild, animals rarely get cavities because their diets consist of mostly natural, unprocessed foods.
Yes, many animals lose their teeth throughout their lifetimes. Some, like sharks and reptiles, continuously grow and replace their teeth as needed. Others, like elephants, only have a limited number of teeth that are replaced once they wear out. Some animals, like rats, have teeth that grow throughout their entire lives and are constantly being worn down and replaced.
No, animals do not brush their teeth in the same way that humans do. However, they do have natural behaviors that help keep their teeth clean, such as gnawing, grooming, and rubbing their teeth against rough surfaces. Some animals, like primates, have been observed using tools to clean their teeth.