Mandibular inflammation in Central American Tapirs (Tapirus bairdii): change of dentition and retention of the crown of deciduous teeth as a potential etiology

Abstract

<p>Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii), also known as danta, inhabits tropical forests, lower mountain forests, deciduous forests, flooded meadows and wetlands. The internal anatomy of the tapir is analogous to the domestic horse, as is its dental formula. Molars lack cement and have small or low crowns, being fully lofodonts. Mandibular inflammation in tapirs is very common in captive collections and their etiology and prevalence have been discussed, but have not been defined. This work suggests changing teething and retaining the crown “caps” as a possible etiology of jaw inflammation based on its counterpart the horse, which physiologically copes with the following process: as permanent teeth develop below the primary teeth, a physiological process of resorption and vertex displacement develops, accelerating the eruption of the deciduous tooth. Continuous pressure causes the roots to be reabsorbed, and low blood supply leads to necrosis in the soft tissues and thus loosening the “cap”. Both gingivitis and periodontal disease can result from splinters of broken roots that remain in subgingival space after “the cap” is removed, and this coupled with contamination with food and bacteria</p>