Prevalence and description of dental disorders in skulls of free‐living wild primates from Paraná State, Brazil

Abstract

Background Non‐human primates can present oral diseases. However, differences among the dentition of the various species make it difficult to understand their dental features and associated diseases. This research hypothesizes that the prevalence of dental disorders varies in the species studied according to distinct types of diet. Methods Forty‐five syncraniums of the species Alouatta caraya, Alouatta guariba clamitans, Sapajus nigritus, Callithrix jacchus, and Callithrix penicillata were evaluated by visual inspection, magnifying glasses, and on cone‐beam computed tomography. Results Disorders identified consisted of missing teeth before death, agenesis, dental calculus, dental wear, dental staining, dental fracture, exposure of pulp chamber, alveolar bone resorption, tooth discoloration, and persistence of deciduous teeth. Alouatta guariba clamitans presented the most disorders. Conclusions The results suggest that neotropical primates have a high prevalence of dental changes, even in free‐living conditions, and that the differences observed among them may be associated with different diet patterns.

Evaluation of Dental Enamel Thickness in Maxillary Teeth of Alouatta guariba clamitans, Alouatta caraya, and Sapajus nigritus by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

“…27 The A. guariba clamitans showed higher values of dental enamel thickness for most of the variables studied, with the exception of the cuspid region. This may explain why this species showed the highest prevalence of wear in canines, premolars, and molars, compared to other primates that occur in the state of Parana, 18 since the cuspid region is the most affected by dental wear.…”

“…The definition of categories and grades used in this study have been previously published. 18 The 34 syncraniums (without the mandible) underwent CBCT a , with exposure of 120 kV, 5 mA, 0.125 mm voxel and 8 × 8 cm FOV. The specimens were positioned on an acrylic platform, adapted for use in the CBCT instead of the chin rest (Figure 1A).…”

Evaluation of the main disorders and microbiota of the oral cavity of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) under human care

“…Oral abnormalities in primates under human care include gingivitis, periodontal disease, dental calculus, periapical lesion, dentoalveolar trauma, tooth fracture, and dental avulsion 9 . These conditions may result from inadequate diets, handling‐related stress, intraspecific aggression, behavioral disturbances, and tooth degeneration 10 . The main clinical signs of these conditions include decreased appetite, weight loss, food loss during mastication, facial swelling, fistulas, pain, discomfort, food selectivity, and behavioral disturbances 11 …”

“…9 These conditions may result from inadequate diets, handling-related stress, intraspecific aggression, behavioral disturbances, and tooth degeneration. 10 The main clinical signs of these conditions include decreased appetite, weight loss, food loss during mastication, facial swelling, fistulas, pain, discomfort, food selectivity, and behavioral disturbances. 11 The oral cavity of non-human primates is a diversified environment consisting of the oral microbiota per se and organisms originating from other regions, including various Staphylococcus found on the skin, nostrils, and abdomen.…”