A Dental Formula is a form of showing the total number of teeth in humans and other animals based on this arrangement. There are four types of teeth including incisors, canine, premolar, and molar. Apart from chewing and digesting food. Teeth provide strength and support to our jawbone and give shape to our face. It also helps in speech. In this article, we will look into the meaning and dental formulae of different animals.

Types of Teeth

There are four types of teeth in humans:

• Incisors
• canines
• Premolars
• molars

The jawbone contains all four types of teeth that extend into the buccal cavity. These teeth have various functions including tearing, chopping, shredding, and crushing food. They are significant in various ways. In addition to eating food, it helps us to consume a wider palate of food and also plays an important role in digestion. They give proper shape and strength to our face. It helps in facilitating communication. These are the greatest assets that give us an appealing appearance.

What is Dentition?

The arrangement of teeth such as their quantity and variety in a particular species or individual is known as dentition. There are 32 teeth in an adult. Animal teeth vary in function and are categorized based on their diets and nutritional status.

What is a Dental Formula?

The Dental Formula is the way to describe the total number of teeth in humans and animals based on this arrangement. Letters and figures are used to express this formula. The four different forms of teeth—incisor, canine, premolar, and molar, are represented by the letters in this formula.

The following represents the Dental Formula:

(The number of each type of tooth in the upper jaw) / (The number of teeth on one side of the lower jaw)

Two Dental Formulae Exist for Humans:

The initial set of teeth (20 in total):

I2/2 C1/1 M2/2 = 10

32 teeth make up the permanent dentition:

I2/2C1/1 P2/2 M 3/3 = 16.

Where: M-Molar, C-Canine, and I-Incisors

Humans and apes share the same sets of teeth and dental formulas among all other mammals.

Animal Dental Formulae

Like people, many animals have different dental formulas for juveniles and adults.

Dental Formula of Dog

Dogs eat both vegetables and animals since they are omnivores. The dog’s dental formula is:

2 x (3142 / 3143) = 42 teeth

(6 incisors 2 canine 8 premolars and 4 molar) / (6 incisors 2 canine 8 premolars and 6 molar) = 42 teeth.

Dental Formula of Cattle

Cattles primarily means cows. They are domesticated mammals that have been reared for their milk. Every cattle belongs to the category of cud-chewing animals and has a distinct set of teeth. They lack upper incisors and canines. For cattle, the dental formula is:

2 x (033 /433) = 32 teeth (0 incisors 6 premolars and 6 molar)/ (8 incisors 6 premolars and 6 molar) = 32 teeth.

Dental Formula of Cat

Cat is a small, domesticated mammal. Just like dog, cat consume animals and plants.

The dental formula of Cat is:

2 x (3131 / 3121) = 30 teeth (6 incisors 2 canine 6 premolars and 2 / (6 incisors 2 canine 4 premolars and 2 molar) = 30 teeth.

Dental Formula of Rabbit

Rabit are herbivores. Their teeth are called as elodont (continuous growth with no anatomic root) and hypsodont (having a long crown). They are devoid of canine teeth that creates a large diastema in between incisors and premolars.

The dental formula of rabbit is as follows:

2( I= 2/1, C=0/0, PM=3/2, M=3/3 )=28

2 main incisors on top and bottom, 2 tiny incisors behind main top ones, 22 molars and premolars- 6 each side on top and 5 at the bottom.

Conclusion – Dental Formula

Teeth are very important and precious asset of all the animal. It gives strength and shape to our face. The variety of teeth differs based on animal nutrition and eating habits. In human being, there are 32 teeth. Dental formula is a method of depicting the arrangement of teeth in animals and human beings. This terminology is called dentition. Human teeth are heterodont (more than one type of teeth) that are covered by enamel which is the hardest substance in body. Hence, teeth are very important. Along with eating, it has various functions.

Also Read:

• Types of Teeth
• Difference Between Tooth and Teeth
• Mouth and Buccal Cavity
• Diagram of Digestive System
• Digestion and Absorption

FAQs on Dental Formula

What is Dental Formula?

Dental Formula is a means of expressing or characterizing the total number of teeth in humans and other animals. There are four different types of teeth including incisor, canine, premolar and molar.

What Is the Dental Formula Calculation Process?

In the form I.C.P.M., the dental formula is calculated by counting the number of Incisors, Canines, Premolars, and Molars. For example, the upper jaw’s dental formula is 2.1.2.3, while the lower jaw’s formula is 2.1.2.3. (I2 – C1 – P2 – M3) / (I2 – C1 – P2 – M3) / (I2 – C1 – P2 – M3) / (I2 – C (I2 – C1 – P2 – M3).

What Are the Different Dentition Types?

Dentition is divided into four categories: Incisors, Canines, Premolars, and Molars. These are the four different types of dentition that can be found in all organisms.

What is a Five-Year-Old Child’s Dental Formula for Teeth?

Only 20 teeth are present in a five-year-old human child, with 10 teeth in each jaw. As a result, the dental formula for the upper jaw is 2.1.0.2, and the lower jaw is the same. As a result, the dental formula can be written as (di2 – dc1 – dm2)/(di2 – dc1 – dm2), where the ‘d’ and small letters represent age.

How many Teeth does a Human Adult Jaw consist of?

There are a total of 32 teeth present in a normal adult. Not all animals have the same type, number, and shape of teeth which are specifically based on their adaptation to the environment, eating habits, and the nutrition they provide.