Teeth. We spend a vast portion of our time thinking about them, treating them and studying them. But how much do we know about the teeth of other creatures? Incisor investigates some of the most unique and creepy sets from across the globe. Check out our list of chompers ranked (arbitrarily) by oddness.

(Spoiler: did you know some animals grow teeth on their tongues? Neither did we!)

#8 The Dragonfish

The Dragonfish resides primarily in the North and Western Atlantic Ocean in very deep waters (up to 5,000 feet below sea level) that lack any light or plant life. Feeding on mostly small fish and crustaceans, the Dragonfish must rely on its large, powerful jaws and fanglike teeth – some of which actually grow on its tongue – to capture prey.

The Dragonfish also produces its own light source through a chemical process known as bioluminescence. Because much of its prey are also capable of producing their own light, the walls of the Dragonfish’s stomach are black to ensure these lights are concealed while its meal is digested.

 


The Promachoteuthis Sulcus Squid

#7 The Promachoteuthis Sulcus Squid

Look scary? Fear not – this specimen is a mere 1 inch long. The Promacotheuthis Sulcus Squid is extremely rare and is known only from a single specimen. While its teeth appear eerily human, they are not, in fact, teeth but “lips” that help protect the animal’s beak. I guess we cheated a little – but how could we not include this critter on our list?

 


The Sheepshead Fish

#6 The Sheepshead Fish

The Sheepshead Fish takes the cake for teeth most eerily reminiscent of our own. Our heads are still spinning from our scary tooth-twin.

Boasting multiple rows of (not so pearly) whites – some even sprouting from the roof of its mouth – a fully grown adult Sheepshead Fish will grow incisors and three rows of molars in the upper jaw, and two in the lower. These robust teeth are used for crushing the shells of its prey.

 

 

#5 The Naked Mole Rat

The Naked Mole Rat

 

Also known as a Sand Puppy or Desert Mole, the Naked Mole Rat is native to East Africa. With a lifespan of up to 31 years, this hairless creature is not just unique for its longevity. Its large, protruding teeth are used for digging and mining purposes. Its teeth are actually attached outside the lips – thus keeping soil from filling their mouths as they dig. Naked Mole Rats are also extraordinary as they have never been recorded as having a single instance of cancer.

 

 

#4 The Crabeater Seal

The Crabeater Seal

 

These unique creatures can be found around the coast of Antarctica and have arguably the most unusual tooth shape in existence. However, don’t let the Crabeater Seal’s name mislead you. This animal’s diet is 90 percent Antarctic krill! Its krill-filtering teeth act like a type of sieve: when the seal takes in a gulp of water and then closes its mouth, the water runs out through the openings in its teeth, leaving just the krill. Decadent!

 

 

#3 The Parrotfish

The Parrotfish

 

This fish owes its name to its parrot-like dentition. Its numerous closely-packed teeth resemble a beak through which they feed on algae.

Gavin, a Parrotfish who lives near Green Island off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, has become somewhat of a celebrity due to his love of posing for photos.

 

 

#2 The Tufted Deer

The Tufted Deer

 

Native to China, the Tufted Deer is not only rare, but small in stature, measuring approximately 20-28 inches in height and 43-63 inches in length. However, what they lack in stature they make up for in their giant fang-like canines. These endangered creatures are also characterized by a tuft of red hair on their foreheads.

 

 

#1 The Goosander Tooth Duck

The Goosander Tooth Duck

 

Topping our list and looking not unlike a character from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” this terrifying bird has not just a beak – but many tiny, sharp teeth. Also known as “sawbills,” these birds use their teeth for gripping fish and reside in rivers, lakes and reservoirs in the north and west of Great Britain.

 

 

Know of any animals we didn’t include on our list? Comment away! Who knows…the animal kingdom is vast and riveting and there are always more teeth to study.

 

Disclaimer

The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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