The post Pig Teeth: Everything You Could Possibly Want to Know appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Pig dentistry isn’t exactly a common topic, but anyone who regularly associates with pigs almost certainly needs to have a basic understanding of pig teeth. Farmers and pet owners are able to gain much information from inspecting the pearly whites of their sows. Because pigs eat a wide range of foods, their teeth have adapted accordingly. They are specialized for shredding, as well as grinding, pointing to a lifetime spent rooting and chewing.
Pet pigs have seen an uptick in popularity recently, and it isn’t surprising to see why. These animals are highly intelligent, playful, and a downright joy to be around. However, many pig parents don’t realize the importance of dental care for their little hogs. Issues like overgrowth or disease can occur, leading to deadly complications. As more people welcome pigs into their families, the necessity of learning the importance of piggie dental hygiene is important.
This slideshow explores pig teeth throughout a lifecycle. We cover the incredibly sharp needle-like teeth of piglets, to the heavy-duty molars of adults. You’ll learn everything there is to know about swine tooth development, including the purpose of each type of tooth. This slideshow is the only guide you’ll need to all things regarding the unique dental structure of pig teeth.
What Kind of Teeth Do Pigs Have?
©Viktoria Stolyarova/Shutterstock.com
- Pigs have a full set of 44 adult teeth, designed for their omnivorous diet.
- Their teeth include incisors, canines (tusks), premolars, and molars for cutting and grinding food.
Piglet Teeth
©iStock.com/Byrdyak
- Piglets are born with some teeth called ‘needle’ teeth.
- They have 28 baby teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 premolars.
Pigs Are Diphyodonts
©Budimir Jevtic/Shutterstock.com
- Pigs grow two sets of teeth over their lifetime—baby and adult teeth.
- Adult teeth begin erupting at around four months old and finish by one year.
Adult Pig Teeth
©iStock.com/Grigorev_Vladimir
- Adult pigs have 44 teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 12 molars.
- These teeth allow pigs to chew a wide variety of food.
Canine Teeth (Tusks)
©iStock.com/anopdesignstock
- Canines are sharp and continue to grow throughout life, especially in males.
- Boars may use tusks for defense or dominance fights.
Premolars and Molars
©Chumash Maxim/Shutterstock.com
- Premolars and molars are flat and ridged for grinding food.
- Pigs have 16 premolars and 12 molars that occlude for mastication.
Pet Pig Dental Care
©Evgenia Voynarovskaya/Shutterstock.com
- Pet pig owners must monitor for overgrown tusks or dental problems.
- Vets may trim tusks to prevent injuries and discomfort.
Trimming Teeth
©iStock.com/chingkai huang
- Trimming pig teeth requires proper tools and care to avoid fractures.
- Never attempt to trim tusks at home—always consult a vet.
Domesticated vs Wild Pig Teeth
©l i g h t p o e t/Shutterstock.com
- Domestic pigs have smaller teeth than wild pigs due to thousands of years of breeding.
- Feral pigs may redevelop larger tusks over generations.
Fun Facts About Pig Teeth
©Neil Owen/iStock via Getty Images
- Pig teeth erupt early and are vital for food exploration.
- Their teeth reveal much about their age, diet, and domestication history.
The post Pig Teeth: Everything You Could Possibly Want to Know appeared first on A-Z Animals.
June 21, 2025 at 05:02PMChristian Drerup.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments