Up to how many teeth can a shark have?

Sharks may have up to 3,000 teeth at one time. These teeth are modified placoid scales that have the same structure as a tooth, having an outer layer of enamel, dentine and a central pulp cavity. The teeth are arranged in rows and when one tooth is damaged or lost, it is replaced by another. Their teeth are constantly replenished and have unlimited rows of teeth to replace others (they are polydonts). Most sharks have about 5 rows of teeth at any time.

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52 Comments

Michael Merrill

The answer really depends upon the shark species. A great white shark will have 50 at one time. They have however, many rows in development, but not quite ready unless the shark loses one. Their teeth are not very strong and they tend to lose them quickly. I have a bunch that I recovered on numerous beaches while I was stationed at various bases in Florida.

Stevie G

Poorly worded question. A great white shark has 50 teeth at one time. If you asked how many teeth a human has would you include their milk teeth in the answer ... No You would not.

LibraryLady

The problem with this question is that for the "correct" answer that you provide, your question should read "at one time". Sharks can have up to 50,000 teeth over the course of their life....so please be more specific!