All About Shark Teeth

Shark teeth are incredibly fascinating! In some ways, they’re like ours, and in others, they’re wildly different. Check out this short video on shark teeth from our friends at Delta Dental of Virginia to learn more:
Similarities between shark and human teeth
Human teeth and shark teeth are visually and physically different. However, there are some similarities between them that may surprise you. Some shark teeth, like human teeth, have a central “pulp cavity” surrounded by dentine and hard enamel. Shark teeth also leave behind a fossil record just like human teeth. Scientists have come to know about prehistoric sharks based purely on the shape and size of fossilized teeth.
Differences between shark and human teeth
There are many differences between human and shark teeth. Check out some below:
- Sharks have more than one row of teeth. Sharks have up to 15 rows of teeth at one time. They act as conveyor belts, rotating in spaces that need filling.
- Sharks are constantly losing their teeth. Some sharks will lose up to 50,000 teeth in their lifetime.
- Sharks regrow their teeth in 24 hours.
- Shark teeth don’t have roots as human teeth do. Therefore, they are much more likely to fall out or break while they’re eating.
Other fun shark teeth facts:
- The specific shape of a shark’s tooth will depend on what it eats. Sharks that eat more crustaceans will have flattened teeth adapted to crushing prey. On the other hand, sharks that feed on fish will have more sharpened teeth for catching fish.
- The Megalodon, a giant prehistoric shark, had about 276 pointed teeth fixed in five rows, measuring at seven inches. They are believed to be the largest ever teeth in any shark species.
Comments
Related stories
-
Oral health issues that may arise with age
As you age, your body can experience shifts in health that affect your mouth in unexpected ways. … Read More
-
The Creation of the Modern Toothbrush
Do you know who created the toothbrush, how or when they were invented? Humans have since transitioned … Read More
-
Diabetes and Your Oral Health
Oral health and overall health are connected in many ways – many general health issues have oral … Read More
Sign Up Now
Tweets
Poll

Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 291 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 153 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 79 Likes
- 4 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 52 Likes
- 5 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 47 Likes
- 6 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 39 Likes
- 7 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 39 Likes
- 8 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 35 Likes
- 9 How COVID-19 Impacts Oral Health 33 Likes
- 10 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 29 Likes
Most Commented