Why Sharks Never Get Cavities And What We Can Learn From Them!

The Secret to a Shark’s Smile: Why These Ocean Predators Never Get Cavities

You brush. You floss. You (hopefully) visit your dentist regularly. And still, cavities can happen. But guess who never has to worry about tooth decay? Sharks. That’s right—these fierce ocean dwellers have a perfect dental record, and it’s not because they’re using extra-strength toothpaste.

The secret? Shark teeth are made of a cavity-proof material called fluorapatite. This super-strong substance is similar to the enamel on human teeth, but it’s packed with fluoride—the same mineral we use to protect our teeth. While we apply fluoride with toothpaste or mouthwash, sharks have it naturally built into their teeth. This makes their teeth incredibly resistant to acid and decay-causing bacteria.

And that’s not all. Sharks constantly replace their teeth. Some species grow a new set every few weeks! Over a lifetime, a single shark can go through tens of thousands of teeth. So even if one does get damaged (which is rare), it won’t be there for long.

While we may not be able to grow new teeth or have natural fluoride armour like sharks, we can take a cue from them when it comes to prevention. Using fluoride toothpaste, avoiding sugary snacks, and keeping up with regular dental checkups can help protect our enamel and keep cavities at bay.

So next time you brush, think of sharks—nature’s cavity-proof superheroes of the sea!