Blue Tongue Skinks (BTS) are widely recognized as popular pet reptiles, mostly due to their generally docile nature and their namesake—a striking blue tongue used as a defensive display. Many new owners are surprised to learn that these lizards do, in fact, possess teeth, as they are not immediately visible. These dental structures are not the sharp, piercing fangs one might expect, but are highly specialized tools that directly support the skink’s unique omnivorous diet. Understanding the characteristics of these teeth is important for both general knowledge and proper husbandry of the animal.
The Structure of Skink Teeth
Blue Tongue Skinks possess acrodont dentition, meaning their teeth are fused directly to the surface of the jawbone. This attachment differs from the pleurodont teeth found in many other lizards, where the teeth are attached to the inner side of the jaw. The teeth themselves are generally blunt, rounded, and peg-like, often described as molariform, especially toward the back of the jaw. This structure results in a wide, strong crushing surface rather than sharp cutting edges.
How Blue Tongue Skinks Use Their Teeth for Feeding
The blunt, robust nature of the skink’s teeth is perfectly adapted for a diet that requires powerful grinding and crushing. As opportunistic omnivores, Blue Tongue Skinks frequently encounter prey and plant matter that must be pulverized before swallowing. This crushing ability is necessary for breaking down the hard exoskeletons of insects like beetles and the shells of snails, which are a common food source in their natural habitat.
The jaw muscles that operate this crushing mechanism are notably powerful, allowing the skink to generate significant force despite the relatively small size of the teeth themselves. This function allows the skink to process fibrous plant material and tough animal parts, maximizing nutrient absorption from a wide variety of food items.
Unique Dental Characteristics and Health
A characteristic of acrodont dentition is that the teeth are not continuously replaced. Unlike polyphyodont species that regenerate teeth, a Blue Tongue Skink’s teeth, once lost or broken, are generally gone permanently. This lack of replacement makes dental health a particularly important consideration for pet owners.
The close, fused attachment of the teeth to the jawbone also makes skinks susceptible to periodontal disease. If soft food accumulates around the base of the teeth, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infection and decay of the jawbone itself. Providing a diet with appropriately crunchy items is recommended to help naturally clean the teeth and prevent this common health issue.
What Happens When a Skink Bites
Because their teeth are designed for crushing and not for deep penetration, a bite from a Blue Tongue Skink is typically characterized by intense pressure rather than a clean puncture wound. The powerful jaw strength, combined with the blunt teeth, often results in a painful pinching sensation that can cause bruising. The injury is more akin to a vice-like squeeze than a laceration.
While a bite from a large adult can certainly break the skin, it rarely requires serious medical intervention beyond thorough cleaning and disinfection to prevent secondary infection. If a skink bites, the most important action is to remain calm and avoid pulling away, which can worsen any potential skin tear.