World Croc Day: What Crocodile Teeth Can Teach Us About Oral Health
- BTD
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
June 17 marks World Croc Day, a time to shine a spotlight on one of Australia’s most iconic (and fearsome) reptiles. And while most of us wouldn’t dream of getting too close to a croc’s jaw, their teeth are actually a fascinating reminder of the power and importance of oral health - something we know a thing or two about here at Blackall Terrace Dental!
Crocodile Teeth: Designed to Replace Themselves
Crocodiles are known for their conical, dagger-like teeth—perfectly designed for gripping and tearing, not chewing. What’s even more fascinating is that crocodiles can go through 4,000 to 6,000 teeth in a lifetime. That’s right—when a croc loses a tooth, another one is already growing beneath the surface, ready to take its place.
Humans, on the other hand, only get two sets of teeth in their lifetime. Once your adult teeth are in, that’s it. No replacements hiding in wait. Which makes protecting them all the more important.
Nature vs. Nurture: Why We Need to Look After Our Teeth
Unlike crocs, we can't rely on nature to give us a third or fourth set of teeth. But we can rely on regular dental care to preserve and protect the ones we have. From brushing and flossing to professional cleans and preventive treatments, maintaining good oral health helps us avoid the kind of damage even a croc’s bite couldn’t fix.
Croc Care, Zoo Style
If you’ve ever visited Australia Zoo, you might’ve caught a glimpse of their incredible crocodile habitat - home to some of the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom. But even these apex predators need care, and the wildlife team plays a vital role in monitoring the health of their crocodilians, including their teeth. Checkout this post from Australia Zoo back in 2021, looking at one of Bosco's incredible teeth!
The Takeaway: Respect the Bite, Value Your Own Smile
This World Croc Day, take a moment to marvel at the natural world… and maybe book that dental check-up you’ve been putting off. After all, you only get one set of adult teeth - make them last a lifetime.
Need a hand keeping your smile strong? Blackall Terrace Dental offers a full range of preventive and restorative care right here in Nambour.
Book your appointment online today or call us now on: (07) 5441 3583.
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