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.

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

Experts examined the oral cavity and teeth, captured dental x-rays and conducted 3D tooth scans 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.

According to the base, 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 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.

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(Cover image via VCG)

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