Teeth are amazing, adapted by nearly every member of the animal kingdom into specialized tools to defend, consume and outcompete others. However, some animals possess teeth so frightening or unexpected in their function that they would be better off in a horror movie.

Bobbit Worm

The Bobbit Worm

These three-meter-long ocean terrors create long, vertical tunnels in the sand of the ocean floor and lie in wait with massive jaws set just like a bear trap. When an unsuspecting fish swims by, sensory tentacles home in on the source of the disturbance and the worm lunges. In less than a second, the fish is impaled and yanked into the tunnel to be devoured!

See the Smithsonian Channel's amazing video of the bobbit worm here.

 
Musk Deer

Musk Deer

Perhaps not as unsettling as the bobbit worm, the musk deer is none the less in possession of some intimidating dentition: fangs. While not a true deer, this unusual ungulate is native to the mountain forests of southern Asia and defends well-defined territories from competitors, using their sharp fangs to deter predators and rivals.

 
Cookie Cutter Shark

The Cookiecutter Shark

Don't let the whimsical name fool you. The cookie-cutter shark has one of the most gruesome appetites in the animal kingdom. Hidden beneath a lumpy, rounded snout is a mandible adapted to gouge out round plugs of flesh from its prey like a melon baller or cookie-cutter. These bites can be as wide as two inches and deep as three!

 

Penguins:

Although appearing as the ever-cute staple of nature documentaries, penguins are packing a frightening secret: multiple rows of sharp, spiny teeth. Don't believe us? Click here. These needle-sharp teeth, along with a thorny tongue help the penguin grip its slippery aquatic prey.

 
Camel Spider

Camel Spider (Solfugid):

Imagine a spider with scissors for a face, long clawed legs, and pale skin studded with tan bristles. It's not a true spider, but it is an arachnid. Solfugids use an unusual double set of vertically-oriented mandibles to shred prey with an odd reciprocating motion reminiscent of a hedge trimmer. While terrifying, these creatures are non-venomous and reluctant to bite humans.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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