Biology of tooth replacement in amniotes.

Author: John A WHITLOCK ¹ ; Joy M RICHMAN
Author Information

1. Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Publication Type:Journal Article
MeSH: Animals; Biology; Humans; Mammals; physiology; Odontogenesis; genetics; physiology; Reptiles; physiology; Tooth; growth & development; Tooth Germ; embryology; Tooth, Deciduous; growth & development
From: International Journal of Oral Science 2013;5(2):66-70
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract: Tooth replacement is a common trait to most vertebrates, including mammals. Mammals, however, have lost the capacity for continuous tooth renewal seen in most other vertebrates, and typically have only 1-2 generations of teeth. Here, we review the mechanisms of tooth replacement in reptiles and mammals, and discuss in detail the current and historical theories on control of timing and pattern of tooth replacement and development.