Editing Tooth enamel (section)

== Other mammals ==

For the most part, research has shown that the formation of tooth enamel in animals is almost identical to formation in humans. The enamel organ, including the dental papilla, and ameloblasts function similarly.<ref>Frandson and Spurgeon, p. 305</ref> The variations of enamel that are present are infrequent but sometimes important. Differences exist, certainly, in the morphology, number, and types of teeth among animals.

[[File:RottweilerTeeth01.jpeg|right|150px|thumb|Teeth of a rottweiler]]
Dogs are less likely than humans to have tooth decay due to the high [[pH]] of dog saliva, which prevents an acidic environment from forming and the subsequent demineralization of enamel which would occur.<ref name=pinney187>Pinney, p. 187</ref> If tooth decay does occur (usually from trauma), dogs can receive dental fillings just as humans do. Similar to human teeth, the enamel of dogs is vulnerable to [[tetracycline]] staining. Consequently, this risk must be accounted for when tetracycline antibiotic therapy is administered to young dogs.<ref name="pinney187" /> Enamel hypoplasia may also occur in dogs.<ref>Pinney, p. 186</ref>

The mineral distribution in [[rodent]] enamel is different from that of monkeys, dogs, pigs, and humans.<ref>Fejerskov</ref> In [[horse teeth]], the enamel and dentin layers are intertwined with each other, which increases the strength and wear resistance of those teeth.<ref>Martin; Randall-Bowman</ref>