These magnificent marine mammals have up to 25-28 teeth in each jaw
which means they have a total of 100-112 teeth. All of the teeth have
the same shape, although the first and last teeth in each row are
somewhat smaller than the rest. Dolphins often play with toys to keep
themselves amused but these toys may be abrasive leading to excessive
wear of the teeth. The dolphin in the video had exposed the living
part of many of her teeth while playing with toys, and over time the
teeth died. Some teeth had the equivalent or root abscesses and were
extracted while others had dead pulps but could be salvaged using root
canal treatment. A number of teeth have been successfully treated and
others are undergoing treatment.

Red Panda’s like their Giant black and white namesakes are indigenous to China, where their diet is mainly bamboo. These animals have been known to develop tooth decay especially when part of the diet provided adheres to the teeth surface where it ferments forming acid. This acid damages the enamel on the tooth surface enabling bacteria to enter the dentine causing more damage. When seen early enough in the progression of the disease, the decayed material can be removed and a dental filling placed to protect the rest of the tooth. Cedric has experienced treating a Red Panda to clean the “caries” on its tooth surfaces and place fillings. How incredibly amazing is it to have the opportunity to work on such special animals! Follow Cedric’s adventures to know more about the wild animals he helps.