topic Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth? in Community Chat

How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:00:14 GMT

Stunning photographs demonstrate the bizarre relationship between the animal kingdom's tallest mammal the giraffe and the tiny red-billed oxpeckers in east Africa.

What may initially appear as a giraffe chomping down on small birds in predatory fashion is actually a habit even more out of the ordinary.

It turns out this giraffe is getting a check-up from their dentist oxpeckers, who will remarkably clean the teeth of its spindly-legged friend without using a drill or leaving a hefty bill to pay.

The oxpecker is actually feeding on bits of food stuck between the giraffe's teeth. It is known to sometimes pick through its hair for tasty parasites to nibble on too.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6055285/Oxpeckers-clean-teeth-giraffe-Tanzania.html

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

chickenbutt — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:05:24 GMT

You see a lot of those symbiotic relationships underwater, but I've not seen as many above the water.

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

doxie1 — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:05:33 GMT

@KingstonsMom

Early Dentists!

hahaha

doxie

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

doxie1 — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:08:30 GMT

@KingstonsMom

I liked the picture of the giraffe sticking its tongue out at the bird.

It is about time for me to see the red-billed oxpecker.

doxie

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

2blonde — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:08:58 GMT

@KingstonsMom There you go again........coming up with some cool (and amusing) animal stuff! It does sound a bit gross, though. Bet that bird has some really bad breath!

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

Annabellethecat66 — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:10:45 GMT

Forget that! Wow! I'd kill for those eyelashes! He/She could model for Maybelline Mascara!

So cute! I needed a smile today! So many people going through so much, thanks!

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

goldensrbest — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:11:58 GMT

Speaking of teeth, i heard last week that more people are getting cavities, because of using non fluoride toothpaste, i use natural because of dry lips.

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:26:48 GMT

@2blonde wrote:
@KingstonsMom There you go again........coming up with some cool (and amusing) animal stuff! It does sound a bit gross, though. Bet that bird has some really bad breath!

@2blonde

I just can't help myself, LOL!

I'm one of those that love animals (any) more than most people!

I've been owned by everything from horses to a monkey and pretty much every farm and domestic animal there is!

I'm totally with you on the bad breath thing, LOL!

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

Sooner — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:29:50 GMT

YUCK!

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

OKPrincess — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:34:15 GMT

@KingstonsMom He looks like he has a mouth full of oxpeckers. It’s a good thing it was explained what’s going on. Thanks for posting.

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:39:59 GMT

Sure makes you appreciate your toothbrush, doesn't it?

And it gives a whole new meaning to 'toothpick', LOL!

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

2blonde — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:41:22 GMT

@KingstonsMom I understand the love of animals. I think they just know that about us without us saying or doing anything. When I've been out jogging, on many occasions I've "picked up" animals along the way (dogs, even cats and squirrels). I sometimes have a hard time getting them to turn around and go back! (On second thought, maybe I smell like dog treats! )

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

Cakers3 — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:43:05 GMT

@goldensrbest wrote:
Speaking of teeth, i heard last week that more people are getting cavities, because of using non fluoride toothpaste, i use natural because of dry lips.

@goldensrbest Interesting because my dentist recommends flouride toothpaste. What he doesn't recommend is any toothpaste with triclosan.

We also have to look at diet and cavities; not to mention medications, like steroids.

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

Cakers3 — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:44:46 GMT

I also love giraffes; one bent down and put her head on my shoulder one time; what a wonderful experience.

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:58:48 GMT

@2blonde wrote:
@KingstonsMom I understand the love of animals. I think they just know that about us without us saying or doing anything. When I've been out jogging, on many occasions I've "picked up" animals along the way (dogs, even cats and squirrels). I sometimes have a hard time getting them to turn around and go back! (On second thought, maybe I smell like dog treats! )

@2blonde

LOL! LOL!

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

Drythe — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 23:58:52 GMT

@KingstonsMom

Just too cool! Thanks!

DH says these birds also clean Crocodile teeth, I don’t think he’s kidding me.

Re: How do Giraffes Clean Their Teeth?

SilleeMee — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 00:51:11 GMT

Wow, that's an amazing story @KingstonsMom. Thanks for sharing. Those oxpeckers also sit on rhinos and eat ticks, will also warn the rhinos of encroaching danger. So cool.