What do rat teeth look like? - briefly
Rats possess a pair of large, chisel‑shaped incisors in each jaw that grow continuously and are orange‑tinged from iron‑rich enamel, while their cheek teeth are flat, multi‑cusp molars for grinding. The incisors are self‑sharpening, with a hard enamel front and softer dentine behind, creating a sharp cutting edge.
What do rat teeth look like? - in detail
Rat incisors are large, chisel‑shaped teeth that dominate the front of the jaw. Each upper and lower pair is permanently growing, with a length of 5–7 mm in adult house rats. The enamel covers only the front surface, creating a sharp, orange‑brown edge, while the back is composed of softer dentin that wears down during gnawing, maintaining a self‑sharpening profile.
Key characteristics:
- Number and arrangement: Four incisors total—two on each side of the upper and lower jaws. No canines are present; the gap between incisors and the cheek teeth is called the diastema.
- Cross‑sectional shape: Triangular in profile, with a narrow apex at the tip and a broader base toward the root, facilitating efficient cutting.
- Root structure: Roots extend deep into the maxilla and mandible, anchored by a dense periodontal ligament that allows continuous eruption.
- Surface texture: The enamel exhibits fine ridges (perikymata) that increase friction against food and materials.
- Coloration: Enamel appears yellowish‑brown due to iron deposits; dentin is whiter, giving a two‑tone appearance when the tooth is viewed from the side.
Molars and premolars situated behind the diastema are flatter, with a cusped surface adapted for grinding. They are not continuously growing but are replaced once during the animal’s lifespan.
Overall, the combination of a continuously renewing chisel‑like front edge, a self‑sharpening enamel–dentin interface, and a robust root system defines the distinctive morphology of rat dentition.