Gums, also known as gingiva, are a type of soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth in the mouth. While gums are a common feature in many animals, there are a few species that don’t have them. In this article, we will explore 14 of these animals and learn more about their unique dental anatomy.
1. Snakes
Snakes are long, legless reptiles that are found in a variety of habitats around the world. While most animals have gums, snakes do not. Instead, their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows snakes to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
2. Lizards
Lizards are a group of reptiles that are found in a variety of habitats around the world. Like snakes, lizards do not have gums. Their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows lizards to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
3. Alligators
Alligators are large reptiles that are native to the southeastern United States. While most animals have gums, alligators do not. Instead, their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows alligators to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
4. Crocodiles
Crocodiles are large reptiles that are found in tropical regions around the world. Like alligators, crocodiles do not have gums. Their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows crocodiles to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
5. Turtles
Turtles are reptiles that are found in a variety of habitats around the world. While most animals have gums, turtles do not. Instead, their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows turtles to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
6. Tortoises
Tortoises are reptiles that are found in a variety of habitats around the world. Like turtles, tortoises do not have gums. Their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows tortoises to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
7. Armadillos
Armadillos are small, armored mammals that are found in South America and the southeastern United States. While most animals have gums, armadillos do not. Instead, their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows armadillos to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
8. Anteaters
Anteaters are mammals that are found in Central and South America. Like armadillos, anteaters do not have gums. Their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows anteaters to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
9. Sloths
Sloths are slow-moving mammals that are native to Central America.
10. Pangolins
Pangolins are small, armored mammals that are native to Africa and Asia. Like anteaters and sloths, pangolins do not have gums. Their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows pangolins to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
11. Aardvarks
Aardvarks are nocturnal mammals that are native to Africa. Like pangolins, anteaters, and sloths, aardvarks do not have gums. Their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows aardvarks to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
12. Lemurs
Lemurs are primates that are native to Madagascar. While most primates have gums, lemurs do not. Instead, their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows lemurs to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
13. Lorises
Lorises are small primates that are native to Africa and Asia. Like lemurs, lorises do not have gums. Their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows lorises to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
14. Bushbabies
Bushbabies, also known as galagos, are small primates that are native to Africa. Like lorises and lemurs, bushbabies do not have gums. Their teeth are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows bushbabies to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones.
In conclusion, there are a number of animals that do not have gums, or gingiva, in their mouth. These animals, which include snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, armadillos, anteaters, sloths, pangolins, aardvarks, lemurs, lorises, and bushbabies, have teeth that are embedded directly in their jawbone and are not surrounded by any soft tissue. This allows these animals to easily shed their teeth as they grow and replace them with new ones. Despite the absence of gums, these animals are able to maintain healthy teeth and jaws due to the presence of other supporting structures and dental hygiene behaviors.