DENTAL STRUCTURE

The tooth has a central core of pulp, surrounded by dentine and enclosed in a layer of enamel. In rabbits the distribution of enamel around the tooth is uneven. Enamel is formed, along with the first layers of dentine, in the apical region (containing germinal tissues). Odontoblast cells within the pulp cavity constantly produce dentine. Tooth growth here allows for continuous replacement of the tooth as it erupts and is worn away in the mouth. This is different from humans where enamel only covers the crown and root growth stops once the tooth has erupted. In the rabbit's main incisor teeth the enamel is thicker and the dentine harder at the front surface than behind. Preferential wear from the action of the incisors (tooth against tooth) leads to their chisel-like appearance.

Russel Rabbit 

Dental Formula

Mastication, Malocclusion and Dental Overgrowth