Are you curious about the question: do bearded dragons have teeth? Well, the answer is yes, they do! These fascinating reptiles hail from Australia’s dry, arid regions, where they bask in the abundant sunlight and heat. Bearded dragons have six species, with the central bearded dragon being the most popular pet.
Their name comes from the spiky, mane-like fringe of skin around their necks that they puff up and display when threatened, along with their impressive teeth. In this article, we’ll delve into the unique composition of bearded dragon teeth, how they differ from those of other lizards, and the best ways to care for your pet’s dental hygiene. We’ll also explore how hard these lizards can bite and whether or not it’s something to be concerned about.
Do Bearded Dragons Have Teeth: Reality About These Reptiles
Have you ever wondered: do bearded dragons have teeth? Well, you cannot spot them easily, but the answer is yes! These scaly creatures possess teeth, though they are relatively small compared to their body size.
Unless a bearded dragon opens its mouth wide, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of them. Interestingly, bearded dragons can have up to 80 teeth arranged in a ‘U’ shape around their jaws, similar to human teeth.
The upper and lower jaws have distinct types of teeth, each composed of a hard enamel coating and dentin body. The teeth’s center consists of a soft pulp containing nerves and blood vessels that nourish and sustain the tooth.
Teeth in Upper Jaw
Did you know that bearded dragons have tiny teeth in their upper jaw? These teeth are flattened, like a wide blade with a single, triangular tip, and are hard to spot because of their size.
What’s unique about bearded dragon teeth is that they don’t have roots or sockets like human teeth. Instead, they’re attached to the top of the jawbone, almost like they’ve been glued there. This type of tooth is called “acrodont,” a common feature among lizards. While these teeth work well, they have a downside – they don’t grow back once the lizard has matured.
So, if an adult bearded dragon loses or breaks one of these upper teeth, it’s gone for good.
Teeth in Lower Jaw
Did you know that bearded dragons can have up to 40 teeth on their lower jaw? As they grow older and bigger, they tend to have more teeth. Interestingly, their bottom teeth differ from their top teeth. They are bigger and are partially embedded into the inside edge of the jawbone rather than simply resting on top of it.
These teeth, known as pleurodont, don’t have proper roots but are anchored firmly enough to regrow if broken or lost. Only the bottom jaw has pleurodont teeth, which work together with the upper teeth to help the bearded dragon grab and maneuver its prey inside its mouth.
Is it ok to Brush Bearded Dragon Teeth?
Bearded dragons are a favorite choice for reptile aficionados seeking pets. These creatures can reach lengths of up to two feet and have a lifespan of over ten years. They make such excellent companions because of the strong bond they form with their owners, which is especially evident when they enthusiastically hunt and devour the insects fed to them.
Since bearded dragons originate from arid and scorching areas, their living conditions must mirror their natural habitat as closely as possible. Owners must take care to make sure that their enclosure provides an appropriate environment to prevent periodontal disease, such as decaying or fractured teeth. To maintain sparkling teeth, bearded dragons require the right food and conditions that mimic their natural environment.
Can Bearded Dragons Bite?
Similar to any living beings possessing mouths capable of grasping onto flesh, bearded dragons possess the ability to bite. In the case of small bearded dragons, their jaws and teeth are quite tiny, resulting in minimal impact even if they were to bite a person, causing no more than a slight pinch.
On the other hand, larger bearded dragons possess the potential to deliver forceful bites, capable of drawing blood and potentially causing enough harm to fingers that medical attention becomes necessary. However, it’s important to note that bearded dragons are not inherently aggressive creatures; they resort to biting only when they have exhausted all possibilities of escape or when they mistake a finger for a delectable worm.
Final Words: Do Bearded Dragons Have Teeth
Are you clear about your query: do bearded dragons have teeth? If you have any further questions about it, drop the comment below.
