China launches dental examinations for giant pandas

A giant panda research base in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, said Monday that they had carried out a series of dental examinations for giant pandas, in an effort to ensure the animals' oral health.

Doctors check a panda's teeth at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, September 3, 2019. [Photo: IC]

The examinations were carried out by veterinarians of the base and a veterinary dentist from South Africa at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on Sept. 2, according to the research base.

Experts examined the oral cavity and teeth, captured dental x-rays and conducted 3D teeth scanning for 20 pandas in the base.

They found that some pandas suffer from mild gingivitis, dental calculi and tooth abrasions, adding that several of the pandas need treatment.

The examination, which is the first of its kind, provides an important reference for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases of giant pandas, the base said.

The research base said that the giant pandas' diet is almost exclusively bamboo, which is stiff and easy to rub the pandas' teeth. Since their staple food is non-replaceable, it is necessary to enhance dental care and oral health care for giant pandas.