Our Kannapolis Pediatric Dentist Shares the World’s Strangest Animal Teeth

As pediatric dentists, we spend most of our time thinking about human teeth—but that doesn’t mean we don’t think animal teeth are really cool, too! Here are some of the most unique, odd, and downright creepy sets of chompers from around the globe, to share with your little one as you wait for your upcoming dental appointment.

Sheepshead Fish

If you’ve never seen a Sheepshead fish’s teeth, take a look. We think you’ll agree that few things are as terrifying as human-like teeth arranged in a fish’s mouth. However, they’re there for a good reason: these strange-looking tools help the Sheepshead consume its unique diet of oysters, clams, crabs, and other rock-hard prey.

Water Deer

These small, antler-less deer, native to China and Korea, use their teeth for fighting. Bucks have canines ranging from about 2 to 3 inches long, while does’ are much smaller, at about half an inch long. Numerous long scars and torn ears spotted on male deer indicate that they are quite effective as weapons—as well as the reason why these animals are often called “vampire deer.”

Beavers

Have you ever wondered how a beaver’s teeth are strong enough to gnaw through tough wood, day after day? The answer has something to do with the tooth color: beaver teeth are dark orange, not white. That’s because beaver teeth contain traces of iron, the same mineral that makes orange-colored rust. Researchers have found that this pigmented enamel is both harder and more acid-resistant than regular enamel, including enamel that has been treated with fluoride. That means that the humble beaver has teeth that really are “tough as nails”!

Lampreys

Viewed from the side or from above, lampreys are a rather small, harmless-looking fish. But when viewed up close, their mouths are the stuff of nightmares, composed of 11-12 rows of thorn-like teeth, arranged around a circle-shaped mouth. (We’re not going to provide a link; it’s too scary.) This is a case wherein looks are not deceiving, as the lamprey uses its teeth to latch onto other fish, scrape away their scales and skin, and suck their blood. Does this mean you should stay out of the water for the rest of your life? Yes. But, should you decide to venture in, you might comfort yourself with the knowledge that lamprey teeth face backwards, and are not tough enough to make much of an impression on human skin. As far as we know. At this time.

Goosander Ducks

Technically, the goosander duck’s teeth aren’t true teeth with a root, dentin, enamel, and nerves, but they are so unique, we thought they deserved a spot on this list. The goosander duck is often called the “sawbill” duck due to the fine, serrated “teeth” lining the sides of its bill. It is thought that these little ducks are among the only birds on Earth that got to keep their teeth 100 million years ago. The rest swapped them for beaks, for reasons that are still hotly debated.

Brush up on Your Tooth Knowledge at Our Sherrills Ford Pediatric Dentist!

Now that we’ve taken a look at some amazing animal teeth, it’s time for us to take a look at your child’s! If you’re looking for a new children’s dentist in Sherrill’s Ford, stop by Sherrills Ford Pediatric Dentistry today. We strive to provide exceptional oral care for kids in a calming, fun environment. To schedule your appointment, please click here.