One of the toughest animals in the sea is the Killer Whale or orca. The orca has no natural predators, is an excellent hunter, and is pretty much king or queen of its domain.
Unlike people, orcas only get one set of teeth for life, and by the time an orca is full grown, it has a set of 50 sharp cone-shape teeth, which it uses to tear its prey into chunks before swallowing the pieces. They reach about three inches in length, and start to erupt when the calf if 11 weeks old.
One problem humans and orcas both have is dental damage. Many of them have been observed with worn or damaged teeth. Scientist believe this could be caused by eating prey with rough skin, such as sharks, or pulling small fish into their mouths. Orcas also use their mouths to explore their environment, which means their teeth are exposed to a great deal of wear and tear.
While damaged teeth may be a part of life for a killer whale, they don’t have to be part of your life. You should be careful when eating hard or tough foods, and avoid doing things likes chewing on your pen at work or school, and opening things with your teeth. You should also limit your intake of foods that contain sugar and carbohydrates. One thing you can do that an orca can’t is to see our dentist, Dr. John Kivus for regular cleanings and exams.
If you want to schedule an appointment at Gannett Drive Dental in South Portland, Maine, call phone today, and swim in for a visit.