Great White Shark Teeth
Great white sharks possess one of nature's most fearsome sets of teeth. Let's explore these incredible weapons.
Tooth Statistics
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Teeth in Use | 50-300 at once |
| Total Rows | 5-7 rows |
| Tooth Size | Up to 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) |
| Lifetime Teeth | ~30,000 |
| Replacement Rate | Every 10-14 days |
Tooth Structure
Design
- Triangular shape: Perfect for cutting
- Serrated edges: Like steak knives
- Slight curve: For gripping prey
- Strong enamel: Incredibly durable
Composition
- Outer: Fluoride-enhanced enamel
- Inner: Dentin layer
- Core: Pulp cavity with nerves
- Coating: Natural fluoride (cavity-resistant)
The Replacement System
Conveyor Belt of Teeth
- Teeth arranged in multiple rows
- Front row used for biting
- Rows behind move forward
- New teeth grow at back
- Lost tooth replaced in ~10 days
Why This Evolved
- Teeth break often when hunting
- Ensures always-sharp teeth
- Allows attacking armored prey
- No dental problems!
Hunting with Teeth
Attack Pattern
- Approach from below
- Initial "test bite" to assess prey
- Retreat and wait for bleeding
- Return to feed
Bite Force
- Up to 4,000 PSI
- 10x human bite force
- Can crush turtle shells
- Cuts through bone
Tooth Differences by Age
| Age | Tooth Size | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile | 0.5 inches | Thinner, more curved |
| Adult | 1.5-2 inches | Triangular |
| Large Adults | Up to 2.5 inches | Broad, serrated |
Fossil Teeth
Finding Shark Teeth
- Abundant in fossil record
- Turn black/brown over time
- Popular collectibles
- Can be millions of years old
Megalodon Comparison
- Megalodon teeth: up to 7 inches
- 3x larger than great white
- Similar shape and serration