How do squirrels sharpen their teeth?

Squirrels don't actively sharpen their teeth like we might sharpen a knife. Their teeth are constantly growing throughout their lives, and the act of gnawing is how they naturally wear down and maintain their teeth!

Here's how it works:

* Continuous Growth: Squirrels' incisors (front teeth) never stop growing.

* Gnawing: The constant gnawing on nuts, twigs, bark, and other hard objects wears down the front surfaces of their teeth, keeping them at a sharp and functional length.

* Self-Sharpening: The back surfaces of their teeth are covered in enamel, which is harder than the front surfaces. This creates a natural "self-sharpening" effect as the softer front surfaces are worn down by gnawing.

This continuous growth and wear-down process is essential for squirrels to be able to effectively chew and process their food. It also helps prevent their teeth from becoming overgrown, which can cause painful problems.