Pigs possess a specialized set of teeth that reflects their omnivorous diet and adaptable lifestyle. Their dentition allows them to process a wide range of food items, from tough plant material to various animal matter.
The Adult Pig’s Mouth
An adult pig has a complete set of 44 permanent teeth. The dental formula for pigs is I 3/3, C 1/1, P 4/4, M 3/3, which indicates the number of incisors (I), canines (C), premolars (P), and molars (M) on one side of both the upper and lower jaws. This means there are three incisors, one canine, four premolars, and three molars present on each side of the upper jaw, mirrored by the same count on each side of the lower jaw. Breaking down the total, adult pigs have 12 incisors (six upper, six lower), four canine teeth (two upper, two lower), 16 premolars (eight upper, eight lower), and 12 molars (six upper, six lower).
Piglet Teeth and Development
Young pigs, known as piglets, begin life with a set of deciduous, or “milk,” teeth. Piglets typically develop a total of 28 such teeth. The dental formula for these temporary teeth is I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/3, indicating three incisors, one canine, and three premolars on each side of both the upper and lower jaws. Notably, piglets are born with eight of these teeth already erupted, often referred to as “needle teeth”. These include the deciduous third incisors and canines.
As pigs mature, they undergo a process similar to humans, replacing their deciduous teeth with a permanent set; this characteristic classifies them as diphyodonts. The eruption of adult teeth typically begins around four months of age, with the molars often appearing first. The full set of permanent teeth usually becomes complete by the time a pig reaches between one and two years of age.
The Purpose of Pig Teeth
The diverse array of teeth in a pig’s mouth serves distinct functions, supporting their omnivorous feeding habits. The incisors, positioned at the front of the mouth, are primarily used for cutting, biting, and nipping at food items such as roots or fruits. This allows pigs to efficiently gather and initially process softer food sources.
The canine teeth, particularly prominent in males where they are often referred to as tusks, are designed for tearing and piercing. These canines grow continuously, especially in boars, and are utilized for defense, establishing dominance, and assisting in rooting through soil. The lower canines are naturally sharpened by friction against the upper ones, maintaining their effectiveness.
Further back in the mouth, the premolars and molars, collectively known as cheek teeth, feature broad crowns and blunt cusps. These teeth are specialized for crushing and grinding various foods, breaking down tough plant fibers and other materials into smaller, more digestible pieces. This mechanical breakdown is an initial step in digestion, increasing the food’s surface area for subsequent chemical processing.