Scariest Teeth in the Animal Kingdom

Our teeth are incredible and allow us to do many things. In the animal kingdom, there are plenty of amazing and scary teeth! Below are a few of the scariest animal teeth that nature has to offer!

Scary Animal Teeth

• Payara – Payaras are also called vampire fish because of their teeth. The payara has two large fangs that grow out from the lower jaw and all the way into the upper jaw and head of the fish. When the payara is not using its teeth to eat, they are stored in long holes in the fish’s head!
• Great White Shark – Great white sharks are the largest predatory fish on earth. They have around 3,000 teeth in their mouths at any time! These teeth are arranged in multiple rows in their mouths and lost teeth are constantly being grown back in. In fact, it’s estimated that great white sharks go through around 30,000 teeth in a lifetime!
• Babirusa – The babirusa is also known as the saber-toothed pig. Babirusas are hogs that have two large canine teeth. These teeth can grow up to 8 inches long, sometimes growing right through the skin.
• Hippopotamus – Hippopotamuses have the largest teeth of any land animal. Their canine teeth can grow to be 1.5 feet long and their front incisors grow to be around 1.2 feet long!
• Saltwater Crocodiles – Lastly, of all the animals in the world, the saltwater crocodile has the strongest bite force. Their bite force is 3,700 pounds per square inch. For comparison, the average human can only generate a bite force of 150-200 pounds per square inch!

Even animals have ways to keep their teeth clean. They instinctively know the importance of clean and healthy teeth. It’s important for parents to teach their children good at-home oral hygiene routines. This includes bringing them in for a dental cleaning and a checkup every 6 months.

To make your child’s dental appointment, please call Firestone Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics here in Firestone, Colorado.