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Which tooth features do squirrels share with other rodents?

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Like all rodents, squirrels possess specialized dental features adapted for gnawing. Their defining characteristics include:

  • Constantly Growing Incisors: Squirrels have rootless incisors that grow continuously throughout their lives. These teeth feature a hard layer of enamel on the front and softer dentine behind; the resulting differential wear creates a perpetually sharp, chisel-like edge.1
  • Diastema: Because they lack canine teeth and other incisors, squirrels have a distinct gap, known as a diastema, between their incisors and their cheek teeth.12
  • Cheek Teeth: Squirrels possess cheek teeth (premolars and molars) located behind the diastema, which are used for grinding food.1
  • Jaw Mechanics: The articulation of the squirrel's jaw is structured so that the incisors do not meet while the animal is chewing, and the upper and lower cheek teeth do not make contact while the animal is gnawing.1