Jaws and Paws Day slated at museum

BALTIMORE, Maryland--Discover the world of animal teeth during Jaws and Paws from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 26, 2010, at the National Museum of Dentistry. Talk to animal experts from the Maryland Zoo and enjoy a day of family fun devoted to furry friends and their unique choppers. See a prehistoric shark’s tooth as big as a baseball glove, and explore a special exhibit on the mysterious narwhal--the Arctic whale with the six-foot long tooth. Plus play toothy games, dress up like your favorite animal, and make animal masks and puppets to take home.Jaws and Paws is free with regular Museum admission ($7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for children). Call (410) 706-0600 or visit www.smile-experience.org for more information. Bring a picture of your smiling pet to share!“The variety of teeth in the animal kingdom shows us how different animals use their teeth for different jobs,” said National Museum of Dentistry Executive Director Jonathan Landers. “It also teaches us how important it is to preserve our own teeth.” Just as human teeth adapted through time to tear off a chunk of food and chew it, the teeth of elephants, beavers, snakes, and lions evolved to perform specialized tasks. Elephants use their mighty tusks—incisors that can weigh as much as 150 pounds—as weapons. Beavers use their teeth to cut down trees to make lodges. The fangs of some snakes inject poison into their victims. Lions use their teeth to transport their young, defend themselves, and catch and tear apart food. For more information, visit www.smile-experience.org.To read more about the museum, go to www.dentistryiq.com/index/display/article-display/373666/articles/dental-economics/industry-news-2/2010/04/mace-and-torch-on-view-at-national-museum-of-dentistry.html.To comment ont this subject, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.