How Many Teeth Do Sharks Have in a Lifetime

Can you tell me how many teeth do sharks have in a lifetime? Sharks are the only species that continually shed their teeth which are replaced by new ones in a 24 hours window. Scientists believe that Carcharhiniformes shed around 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. The shark’s teeth rely on its diet such as those species that feeds on crustaceans and mollusks tend to have more flattened teeth; whereas those that prey on large animals have pointed teeth. The shark teeth are perfectly aligned which are known as rows or series. The bull sharks have 50 rows of teeth in a series of 7, with the outermost series being the most functional. The smallest shark teeth measures only 1.2 cm (0.5 inches), with the largest averaging 17.7 cm (7.0 inches). These teeth hold high commercial worth which is why sharks often fall to prey as a result of which the population is declining.

How Many Teeth Do Sharks Have at One Time

Many sharks have 5 – 15 rows of teeth in each jaw. One of the prime reasons why sharks teeth are broken off easily is that they don’t have roots to hold them in place. A tooth typically lasts for about a week before it drops down. When the tooth drops out, another tooth which is behind it moves up and replaces it. The replacement happens in as little as 24 hours. These fish keep on replacing their teeth all throughout their lives. With the shark’s growth, the new teeth grow bigger as compared to the ones that are replaced.

The shark’s teeth show a greater degree of variability but they are typically suitable for taking on specific prey. Some teeth are flattened; some are crooked while some are straight. Those sharks that inhabit shallow waters where they generally feed on crustaceans such as shrimp, mollusks (with their hard shells), and lobsters are perfectly adaptable for crushing prey.  However, species that feeds on fish have rather more pointed teeth which help them in holding fish properly. Sharks teeth are well-hardened so much so that they last for a long period of time.

How Many Teeth Did Megalodon Have? | How Many Teeth Do Sharks Have

Scientists have found many megalodon teeth all over the world but not only the scientists came across these teeth; a long time ago some people had also found megalodon teeth and made them into necklaces and treasured them. It is believed that megalodon sharks have as many numbers of teeth as great white sharks have today. Many sharks have five rows of teeth in any one time. The megalodon had about 276 teeth in its jaws that were fixed in 5 rows. All these teeth were pointed. These teeth measuring at 7 inches (17.5 cm) and are believed to be the largest ever teeth in any shark species, either extinct or still surviving.