How Strong Are Rat Teeth?
WouterThe incisors of a rat are hard. In fact, they are harder than copper, platinum, and even iron. The enamel on the incisors is more hard than Mohs’ scale, which is used for measuring the hardness of materials. Human incisors are not nearly as hard.
Rats grow their incisors rapidly. This helps prevent them from developing cavities. Rats have teeth that can grow up to one mm per day. However, this fast growth prevents them from wearing away naturally. This wear-away would lead to the formation of abnormal occlusal patterns.
Rats are notorious pests, as they gnaw on food and other materials in homes. They carry bacteria and diseases. For this reason, many people try to prevent infestations. But what most people don’t know is that rats have incredibly sharp teeth. Their teeth are nearly as hard as those of platinum and iron.
Rat teeth are comprised of three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The outermost layer, the enamel, covers the incisor. The pulp cavity narrows as it approaches the tip of the incisor and extends almost to the end of the tooth. The pulp cavity is filled with granular osteodentine.
Rats need regular checkups to ensure that they are healthy and free of dental disease. They should also have their teeth trimmed at least every two weeks. Overgrown teeth can lead to oral abscesses, which can spread to the epidermis. If this happens, veterinarians may choose to open the abscess and remove the infected tooth. If an infection occurs, the rat is placed on a soft diet to help the abscess heal.
