Our thirty-two enamel-coated teeth are marvelous structures. They are designed and arranged so the surfaces of the upper and lower teeth fit together for eating and speaking. Have you ever thought about how each tooth is different?
In front are the incisors, or cutting teeth, remarkably shaped for taking a bite from an apple or sandwich or snipping a celery stalk in two. Behind these are the cuspids (called canines or dogteeth), used for tearing off bites too tough for the front teeth. Then come the two pointed bicuspids, and finally the broad, flat molars to which all food goes for grinding. All these teeth are especially designed for man’s needs.
The teeth of animals are different. A lion’s set of teeth would certainly not be useful to you. The Creator has provided for each animal’s particular needs. Gnawing animals, such as rats, mice, horses, rabbits and others, have incisors but no canines, since these are not needed for cutting off grass or gathering grains or other items in their diet. Because these incisors wear down from constant use, God has wisely arranged that they never stop growing during the animal’s life.
All flesh-eating animals have canine teeth made strong enough for tearing flesh. You can easily see these in the mouth of a dog, a lion, a cat or a tiger. These “fangs” are used not only for eating food but also for catching and killing. Most of these animals have rough tongues that act like rasps for removing flesh from bones. The teeth of hyenas are anchored in big, strong jaws, enabling them to break and crush large bones. Their molars have three cutting edges to help break up the skeletons of dead animals on which they feed. All these carnivorous (flesh-eating) animals bolt down their food without chewing it and do not use their molars for grinding food as we do.
The next time you brush your teeth, notice how wisely God has arranged them for your use. What He has done for mankind as well as for His other creatures reminds us of the wonders of His creation.
His Word, the Bible, is also likened to food ... not for our bodies, but for our souls. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:1616Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16)). It is certainly right for us to give thanks to the Lord for each meal we eat. Let us also thank Him for our Saviour. Jesus said, “I am the Bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst” (John 6:3535And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)).
ML-11/04/2012