Sharks will never suffer from cavities
A study published in the Journal of Structural Biology has revealed shark teeth contain fluoride; the active ingredient in most toothpaste and dental mouthwash.
This new research helps to explain why sharks are so effective at tearing or cutting their prey. Their teeth are perfectly designed for such tasks and have the benefit of never suffering from cavities.
For the study, Matthias Epple and a number of colleagues used a multitude of high tech investigative techniques, including scanning electron micrographs, to look at the teeth of two different sharks; the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). These sharks were chosen because of their different eating habits. Shortfin makos tear the flesh of prey, while tiger sharks cut flesh.
Epple, a professor of inorganic chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen, said: “In order to make teeth more acid resistant, toothpaste often contains fluoride. In the surface of human teeth after brushing, a small amount - much less than 1 percent - of hydroxide is exchanged by fluoride.”
He added: “In contrast, (the surface of) shark teeth contain 100 percent fluoride. In principle, sharks should not suffer from cavities. As they live in water and as they change their teeth regularly, dental protection should not be a problem for sharks.”
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
