Let’s just dive right into this next topic - pun intended!

As a graduate researcher working in a materials science lab aimed to characterize the mechanical properties of dental enamel, shark teeth were always fascinating to me. Unlike humans that go through phases of temporary deciduous teeth and permanent adult teeth, the growth and evolution of shark teeth is remarkably different.

I read this article last month in the Scientific American and thought it would be interesting to share some fun facts about their teeth.

“While humans just get baby teeth and adult teeth, sharks are constantly growing chompers throughout their entire life. A set of new teeth is always developing in the predators’ jaw, and they rotate forward like a conveyer belt. In this colorized x-ray of a shark’s jaw, the teeth on the bottom are currently in use, while those on the top are in the process of growing and rotating forward. As the teeth in use are worn down and lost, replacements emerge. A single shark may go through as many as thousands of teeth in its lifetime. It can continue to hunt and eat tough-skinned prey without fear of breaking or dulling its teeth—because there will always be new ones waiting to take their place.”

As the viral children’s song goes, whether it be baby shark, mommy shark, or grandma shark, did you know that sharks are born with a full set of teeth and have an average of 3000 teeth at one time!

Now, before you suggest that Himed go into business for surface treatments of shark dental implants, it is important to point out that they have remarkably good oral hygiene and don’t get cavities. The coating of shark teeth is acid resistant and contains fluoride!

Check out additional fun facts below, and tweet us @himedbio with your favorites!

1. https://www.mareawhitedds.com/10-fascinating-shark-teeth-facts-didnt-know/

2. https://seaworld.com/orlando/blog/shark-teeth-facts/

3. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/08/why-sharks-dont-get-cavities/278379/