Alligators Go Through 2,000 Teeth in Their Lifetime

The scaly alligator is recognizable by its wide jaw and toothy grin, which, at any given time, is home to roughly 80 teeth. But just like humans, alligators shed those teeth and grow new ones — only they do it much more frequently than the average human. In fact, the average alligator can go through more than 2,000 teeth in its lifetime.

Alligators primarily use those teeth to chomp on prey, like fish, turtles, birds, and even small mammals. And, despite their many chompers, alligators don’t use their teeth to chew. Instead, they rip up their food and swallow in large chunks. Not the best table manners, but it gets the job done.