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The Fascinating World of Shark Teeth

Sharks4Kids
7 hours ago
2 min read

Author: Adina Hoffman

Sharks have many different kinds of teeth, and each kind is shaped perfectly for what they like to eat. Some sharks, such as mako and sand tiger sharks, have long, needle-like teeth for grabbing slippery squid. Others, like nurse sharks and bonnethead sharks, have broad, flat teeth for crushing shellfish. And sharks such as great white sharks and cookiecutter sharks have sharp, saw-like teeth for slicing meat and even thick blubber from marine mammals.

Shark teeth are also interesting because they never run out! When a tooth falls out, a new one moves forward from behind it to take its place. Sharks can lose thousands of teeth during their lives.

The sharp, bladed teeth of great white sharks are perfect for catching marine mammals. But, young great white sharks don’t eat marine mammals right away. Until they grow to about 3 meters (10 feet) long, they mostly eat fish and squid.

This makes scientists wonder: Do shark teeth change as sharks grow up, just like their diets do?

Tooth shape changes across the jaw, with the first six teeth on each side are symmetrical (even on both sides) and triangle-shaped. These are great for grabbing, poking, and cutting prey. But after the sixth tooth, the shape changes. The teeth become sharper, better suited for tearing meat. This means different teeth have different jobs, just like in our own mouths! We have flat molars in the back for chewing and sharp incisors in the front for biting.

Younger sharks have slimmer teeth with tiny side points called cusplets. These little points help them grip slippery fish and squid. But as the shark grows bigger, those cusplets disappear. The teeth become wider, thicker, and more strongly serrated (like a steak knife). At this stage, the shark has a whole new type of tooth that can slice through tough flesh and even bone.

Some teeth are extra special. The first two teeth on each side (the four big teeth in the center) are much thicker at the base and take the biggest force when the shark bites. The third and fourth upper teeth are a little shorter and tilted, which may help hold onto prey that is trying to escape.

There’s also a difference between the top and bottom jaws. The lower teeth are better for grabbing and holding prey, while the upper teeth are built for slicing. Together, they work like a perfectly designed cutting machine.