The great white shark is a powerful marine predator. Its formidable presence is largely attributed to its powerful jaws and distinctive teeth, which are adapted for its predatory lifestyle. These specialized dental tools are a primary factor in the shark’s ability to hunt and consume prey.
The Number of Tooth Rows
A great white shark possesses multiple rows of teeth within its jaws. While two to three active rows of functional teeth are typically at the front, a system of additional rows lies behind them. These reserve rows can number five to seven or more, containing developing teeth at various stages of growth. This arrangement creates a continuous, conveyor-belt-like system, with new teeth constantly forming and gradually moving towards the front of the jaw. At any given time, a great white shark can have hundreds of teeth in its mouth, though only a fraction are actively exposed.
How Sharks Replace Their Teeth
Great white sharks exhibit a tooth replacement mechanism known as “revolver dentition,” where new teeth are continuously generated. Unlike humans, whose teeth are set into bone, a shark’s teeth are embedded in a flexible membrane within the gum, allowing for constant regeneration. New teeth develop from specialized “progenitor cells” in the dental lamina at the back of the jaw. As these new teeth grow, they slowly advance forward along the gum membrane, replacing older or damaged teeth that fall out. This process is frequent; a tooth might be replaced every 8 to 10 days, leading to a single shark going through tens of thousands of teeth over its lifetime, potentially up to 50,000.
Why So Many Teeth?
The multiple rows of teeth and continuous replacement system provide an evolutionary advantage for the great white shark. This dental arrangement ensures the shark always has a fresh supply of sharp, effective teeth, which is important given the forceful nature of their feeding. When attacking prey, teeth can become damaged, broken, or dislodged. The conveyor belt system allows for immediate replacement, maintaining the shark’s hunting efficiency. This specialized dentition, which includes triangular, serrated teeth, enables them to effectively grip, slice, and tear through the flesh and bone of large marine mammals and other prey.