10 Types of the Weirdest Teeth of Human Beings Rarely Seen
If you have ever felt self-conscious about a slightly uneven smile, it might help to know that some people live with genuinely weird teeth that look like something out of a film. From extra “bonus” teeth buried in the jaw to culturally intentional black teeth and extreme teeth sharpening, human teeth can become some of the grossest teeth you will ever see. This guide will show you the weirdest teeth you may never see in your life.
Why Humans Develop Some of the Weirdest Teeth
When you scroll through social media and see shocking photos of the grossest teeth, it is easy to think, “They just did not bother to brush.” In reality, there are several overlapping reasons why human beings develop the weirdest teeth you could imagine.
- Genetics and inherited conditions – Some people are simply born with a tendency towards extra teeth, missing enamel, peg-shaped teeth or unusual tooth shapes.
- Problems during development – Premature birth, severe childhood illnesses, poor nutrition, or certain medications can interfere with enamel formation, leading to enamel hypoplasia (thin, pitted enamel) and other anomalies.
- Habits and breathing patterns – Thumb sucking, extended pacifier use, mouth breathing and tongue thrusting can all push teeth into crooked teeth positions that look extremely unusual.
- Cultural and body modification practices – Intentional tooth filing, teeth sharpening, tooth removal and tooth blackening have been documented in many cultures, including parts of Asia, Africa and the Pacific.
- Modern lifestyle and neglect – Sugary drinks, frequent snacking, smoking and avoiding dental check-ups can turn ordinary teeth into some of the most broken-down, decayed and foul-smelling teeth you will ever see.
10 Weirdest Teeth of Human Beings
Below are ten types of the weirdest teeth that dentists and anthropologists encounter. Some are rare congenital conditions, some are cultural, and some are simply the endpoint of years of dental neglect.
1. Hyperdontia: People Born With Extra Teeth
Hyperdontia refers to the presence of more teeth than normal, known as supernumerary teeth. Instead of the usual 20 baby teeth or 32 permanent teeth, people with hyperdontia develop extra tooth buds in places where teeth do not usually grow.
These extra teeth may:
- Appear between or behind other teeth, especially in the upper front region.
- Remain buried in the jawbone and only show up on X-rays.
- Be single, multiple, small and peg-like, or surprisingly well-formed.
Systematic reviews suggest that supernumerary teeth can affect up to a few per cent of people, with slightly higher prevalence reported in some Asian populations compared to Caucasian groups. Many of these extra teeth never cause symptoms, but they can also lead to:
- Crowding and rotation of nearby teeth.
- Delayed or failed eruption of permanent teeth.
- Cysts or localised bone problems around impacted supernumeraries.
2. Crooked Teeth That Grow in Odd Directions
Most people think of crooked teeth as a few slightly twisted incisors. At the extreme end, however, teeth can erupt almost sideways, overlap in several layers, or sit far outside the main arch. These flights of enamel can look bizarre, especially when they trap food and stain heavily.
Reasons include:
- Genetic mismatch between large teeth and a small jaw.
- Early loss of baby teeth, so neighbouring teeth drift into the space.
- Childhood habits such as thumb sucking, lip sucking or tongue thrusting.
- Mouth breathing from chronic nasal blockage, which affects jaw and palate growth.
From a health perspective, extremely crooked teeth create plaque traps that are almost impossible for your toothbrush or floss to reach.
3. Black Teeth: Cultural Beauty or Dental Disease?
Black-coloured teeth can be among the weirdest teeth you will ever see, but they do not always mean decay. Historically, deliberate black teeth were a sign of beauty, adulthood or civilisation in parts of East and Southeast Asia. The Japanese practice of ohaguro and other regional tooth-blackening traditions used iron- and plant-based solutions to darken and protect the teeth.
Today, however, most black teeth seen in Singapore dental clinics are not cultural at all. They are more likely to be:
- Heavily decayed teeth where the structure has broken down and the inner dentine has darkened.
- Teeth with dead nerves following trauma or deep decay, which gradually turn grey or black.
- Heavily stained surfaces from smoking, betel nut chewing, or long-term exposure to coloured drinks and poor brushing.
Once a tooth has turned black, simple whitening is rarely enough. You may need deep cleaning, fillings, root canal treatment, internal bleaching, crowns, or, in the worst cases, extraction and replacement.
4. Teeth Sharpening: Ritual, Fashion, or Dangerous Trend?
Teeth sharpening is one of the most visually striking and, frankly, unsettling ways humans alter their teeth. Anthropological and forensic studies document deliberate tooth filing, sharpening and removal across multiple cultures, often linked to beauty ideals, group identity, religious beliefs or rites of passage.
In modern times, social media has helped revive interest in sharpened “vampire” teeth and other extreme smiles. Some people visit body modification practitioners or untrained operators; others dangerously take a nail file or rotary tool to their own teeth at home.
Once enamel has been filed off, it will never grow back. You are left with:
- Exposed dentine, which feels painful and sensitive to cold, heat and sweets.
- Sharper points that chip easily on cutlery or hard food.
- Higher risk of cracks, fractures and nerve damage, especially if your bite is not adjusted afterwards.
Singapore dentists increasingly see patients who regret these changes and now require extensive restorative work such as bonding or crowns to rebuild damaged teeth. If you are tempted by this look, speak to a dentist first – there may be safer cosmetic options to achieve a dramatic smile without permanent self-damage.
5. Metal Teeth: From Ancient Royalty to Modern Body Mods
Humans have been decorating teeth with metal for a very long time. Archaeological findings show gold wire, metal inlays and gemstones used to modify teeth in ancient cultures, sometimes as a mark of wealth or power.
Today you might see:
- Gold or metal crowns on front teeth, occasionally chosen as a style statement rather than just a functional repair.
- “Grills” or “grillz” – removable metal covers, sometimes studded with stones, worn over the front teeth.
- Tiny tooth gems or studs bonded to the enamel.
Properly fitted metal crowns placed by a dentist can last a long time and protect teeth very well. The risks come from poorly made or ill-fitting grills bought online or shared among friends. These trap plaque, rub on the gums, create bad breath and can damage the enamel underneath.
6. Peg-Shaped Teeth
Peg-shaped teeth are small, narrow teeth with a pointed or cone-like appearance, most commonly affecting the lateral incisors (the teeth just next to your central front teeth). These teeth often look “under-sized” compared to their neighbours, creating triangular gaps and an irregular smile line.
Peg laterals may occur on their own or as part of broader inherited enamel or tooth development disorders. They can be harder to clean properly at the gum margin, where plaque tends to collect around the narrow neck of the tooth.
Many adults with peg-shaped teeth choose cosmetic treatment such as:
- Composite bonding – tooth-coloured resin is sculpted directly onto the peg to widen and reshape it.
- Porcelain veneers – thin porcelain shells that cover the front of the tooth and make it look taller and wider.
- Orthodontics plus bonding – first aligning the teeth, then fine-tuning the shape with composite or porcelain.
7. Enamel Hypoplasia: Teeth That Look “Half Formed”
Enamel hypoplasia occurs when the enamel does not form properly. Instead of a smooth, shiny, thick outer layer, you may see pits, grooves, lines, or areas where the tooth looks chalky, thin or brownish. To the untrained eye, these can look like “half formed” or partly melted teeth – definitely among the weirdest teeth in any classroom or office.
Clinical reviews point out that enamel hypoplasia is not rare and can result from both genetic factors and environmental stress during tooth formation, such as illnesses, trauma, or nutritional deficiencies.
Because the enamel is thin or missing in spots, these teeth:
- Pick up stains quickly.
- Are more sensitive to temperature, sweetness and acidity.
- Develop cavities faster, because there is less protective enamel to resist acid attack.
8. Shark Teeth: When Adult Teeth Grow Behind Baby Teeth
“Shark teeth” is a friendly nickname for a mildly alarming sight: a neat row of adult teeth emerging behind a still-intact row of baby teeth, usually in the lower front region. It looks exactly like the double-rowed jaws of a shark.
This most often happens when the permanent tooth erupts slightly behind the baby tooth instead of directly underneath it. If the baby tooth becomes loose and falls out promptly, the adult tooth may drift forward into a better position. If the baby tooth stays firm, you end up with two rows of teeth competing for space.
Paediatric and family dentists commonly manage shark teeth by:
- Watching and waiting for a short period if the baby tooth is already loose.
- Removing the stubborn baby tooth if there is no sign of movement.
- Monitoring whether the new tooth aligns naturally or needs later orthodontic correction.
9. Cone-Shaped or Fang-Like Teeth
Some people naturally have pointed canines and occasionally conical incisors. Others deliberately reshape their teeth, or have them worn over time, to create a more fang-like appearance. Either way, sharply pointed front teeth stand out immediately when you smile or speak.
In a functional, healthy bite, canines are slightly pointed and play an important guiding role as you move your jaw. When they are excessively long, sharp or misplaced, they can:
- Strike opposing teeth too hard, increasing the risk of cracks and wear.
- Contribute to jaw muscle tension and soreness.
- Create self-consciousness if the look feels too aggressive or “vampiric” for daily life.
Gentle contouring, bonding or veneers can round off or reshape these fang-like teeth while preserving as much enamel as possible. If the tooth shape results from previous DIY teeth sharpening, more extensive reconstruction might be needed.
Read More: Can You Turn Normal Canine Teeth into Vampire Teeth? Methods & Problems
10. Severe Dental Neglect Leading to the Grossest Teeth
At the far end of the spectrum, you have mouths where the teeth are almost unrecognisable: brown or black stumps, thick tartar, pus around the gums, a smell that carries across the room, and teeth that move when you press them with your tongue. These really are the grossest teeth many dentists will see in practice.
They are usually not due to exotic diseases, but to a long history of:
- Never or rarely brushing and flossing properly.
- Frequent sugary snacks and drinks throughout the day and night.
- Smoking or betel nut chewing.
- Skipping dental visits for years, even when there is pain.
Singapore’s national oral health survey and hospital commentary pieces warn that untreated caries and gum disease are widespread, with clear socio-economic patterns in who ends up losing teeth. When you combine that background risk with complete neglect, the result is predictable – and very hard to fix without multiple extractions, dentures and implants.
Health Risks Associated With Weirdest Teeth
Weird-looking teeth are not just an aesthetic curiosity. Many of these conditions increase your risk of pain, infection and long-term tooth loss.
| Underlying Issue | What You Notice | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque traps from odd shapes or crowding | Food stuck often, bleeding gums | Tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath |
| Thin or absent enamel | Sensitivity, patchy or pitted surfaces | Rapid wear, early cavities |
| Abnormal bite and sharp contacts | Jaw clicking, headaches, worn teeth | Jaw joint pain, cracked teeth, toothache |
| Severe neglect | Loose, discoloured, foul-smelling teeth | Abscesses, tooth loss, difficulty eating |
Adapted from clinical studies on enamel defects, malocclusion, caries and periodontal risk.
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Many of the weirdest teeth – extra teeth, crowded teeth, peg-shaped teeth, enamel hypoplasia, sharpened or broken teeth – have surfaces that are difficult to clean. They catch plaque and are neglected simply because brushing them feels awkward or painful.
Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, gums become inflamed, and bacteria release acids that dissolve enamel and dentine. This process is the same in every country, but Singapore data show just how far it often goes before people seek help, with a large fraction of adults living with untreated decay and moderate-to-severe gum disease.
Infection and Tooth Loss
Once decay reaches the nerve or gum disease destroys supporting bone, infection becomes a real risk. With black teeth from decay or cracked teeth from aggressive teeth sharpening, you may develop:
- Tooth abscesses, with throbbing pain, swelling and fever.
- Spreading infections that cause facial swelling and difficulty opening your mouth.
- Teeth that become so loose they eventually fall out or require extraction.
Severe infections are dental emergencies. In Singapore, you can attend public urgent care at institutions such as the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) or visit an emergency dentist in private practice, but the best strategy is always early treatment before infection takes hold.
Bite Problems and Jaw Pain
Abnormal tooth positions – for example from hyperdontia, shark teeth, or extreme crooked teeth – can throw off your bite. When teeth do not meet evenly, certain teeth may take much more force, and the jaw joints and muscles work overtime to compensate.
This may show up as jaw clicking, grinding sounds, muscle fatigue, headaches or localised wear on particular teeth. Over the years, this can turn into chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems and a higher risk of tooth fractures.
Social and Psychological Challenges
Finally, there is the social side. Living with very unusual or visibly damaged teeth can be deeply discouraging. You may avoid smiling, speaking up in meetings, taking photos, or going on dates because you are worried about how your teeth look or smell.
In a competitive, service-oriented economy like Singapore’s, this can affect your confidence at work and in social circles. The encouraging part is that even very weird teeth can often be made healthier, more comfortable and more presentable with staged treatment plans.
How Dentists Treat the Weirdest Teeth
Modern dentistry provides a wide toolbox to deal with weird teeth – from moving them into better positions, to rebuilding their shape, to replacing them entirely when necessary.
| Treatment Type | Ideal For | Key Goal | Typical Singapore Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthodontics | Crowding, hyperdontia aftermath, shark teeth | Align teeth and improve bite | Braces or clear aligners; usually not MediSave-claimable |
| Restorations | Enamel hypoplasia, peg teeth, decayed black teeth | Restore shape, protect weak areas | Fillings, veneers, crowns; some procedures subsidised under CHAS |
| Extractions & surgery | Impacted supernumeraries, hopeless teeth | Remove sources of infection and obstruction | Some surgical procedures may be MediSave-claimable |
| Cosmetic dentistry | Colour and shape concerns, mild misalignment | Improve appearance once health is stable | Private clinics, often out-of-pocket or insurance-funded |
Overview based on orthodontic, restorative and oral surgery guidance, adapted to common Singapore health financing schemes.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment – braces or clear aligners – is the main solution for aligning crooked teeth, closing spaces after extractions, and repositioning teeth that erupted in strange places due to hyperdontia or shark teeth.
You can expect:
- A series of X-rays, photographs and digital scans to plan tooth movement.
- Removal of extra teeth if they block the right teeth from moving into place.
- Months or years of controlled movement with regular reviews every few weeks.
In Singapore, orthodontics is usually considered non-surgical and is therefore not MediSave-claimable, although it can sometimes be covered under private insurance or corporate dental benefits. Some complex cases involving jaw surgery may have portions of the treatment financed through MediSave or other schemes, depending on the hospital and diagnosis.
Restorations
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and strengthening teeth that are structurally odd or damaged. For weird teeth, this can mean:
- Small fillings and sealants for early decay in enamel hypoplasia or around crowded teeth.
- Composite bonding to widen peg teeth, smooth sharp fangs, or rebuild chipped sharpened teeth.
- Porcelain veneers for front teeth with severe discolouration, patchy enamel or irregular shapes.
- Crowns for teeth with large defects, cracks or advanced enamel hypoplasia.
CHAS dental subsidies in Singapore can reduce the cost of many basic and some restorative procedures at participating clinics, especially for eligible CHAS Blue, CHAS Orange, Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders. It is worth checking with your clinic which procedures are subsidised before starting a major restoration plan.
Extractions and Oral Surgery
When a tooth is beyond saving – for example, a black tooth rotted down to the gumline, or an impacted supernumerary tooth causing problems – removal may be the safest option. Oral surgery can also be needed to expose buried teeth so they can be moved into position with braces.
Common scenarios include:
- Removing extra teeth discovered on X-rays before they disrupt the bite further.
- Extracting severely infected or fractured teeth that no longer respond to root canal treatment.
- Performing minor bone surgery to reshape areas for implants or dentures after extractions.
In Singapore, many dental surgeries (such as wisdom tooth surgery and implant placement) may be partially claimable under MediSave, provided they are coded as surgical procedures and performed at accredited clinics or hospitals. Your dentist can advise you on eligibility and help with the paperwork.
Cosmetic Dentistry Fixes
Once active disease is under control and your bite is reasonably stable, you might still want to improve the look of your weird teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can help to:
- Brighten stained or naturally darker teeth with safe professional whitening.
- Reshape sharp or uneven edges with subtle enamel polishing or bonding.
- Close small gaps or balance asymmetrical teeth with veneers or crowns.
- Replace missing front teeth with implants or bridges to restore your smile line.
Cosmetic treatments are typically not covered by MediSave and may only be subsidised under CHAS when they also restore function, such as crowns or dentures for missing or broken teeth. For purely cosmetic changes to otherwise healthy teeth, you should expect to pay privately, whether in a public or private clinic.
FAQ: Weirdest Teeth and Unusual Dental Conditions
1. Which human teeth are the sharpest?
Your canine teeth – the pointed teeth just beside your incisors – are naturally the sharpest teeth in your mouth. They help you tear food and guide your jaw when you move it from side to side. In some people, the canines are naturally more prominent or fang-like; in others, intentional teeth sharpening or wear can make them even sharper. While sharper teeth can look dramatic, they can also chip more easily and put extra stress on opposing teeth if the bite is not well balanced.
2. How quickly do teeth turn black?
Teeth usually darken gradually rather than overnight. With untreated decay, you will often first see white chalky spots, then brown patches, and finally nearly black areas where the tooth has broken down. A tooth that has suffered a blow or been damaged internally can turn dark more quickly as the nerve dies and the inner tissue discolours. If you notice any tooth going grey, brown or black, especially if there is pain or a bad taste, you should see a dentist promptly to check for decay, nerve damage or infection.
3. Why do some people sharpen their teeth?
Across history, people have sharpened or filed their teeth for many reasons: to signal adulthood, to show group identity, to appear more attractive according to cultural standards, or to express spiritual beliefs. Modern trends sometimes treat teeth sharpening as a form of body art or a way to copy certain fictional characters. The problem is that filing off your own enamel permanently weakens the teeth, makes them sensitive and greatly increases the risk of cracks and infection. Dentists strongly advise against DIY tooth filing and recommend safer cosmetic options instead.
4. Why do some people get extra teeth?
Most cases of hyperdontia (extra teeth) are thought to be developmental or genetic – in other words, something in the way the tooth buds formed led to additional teeth. Extra teeth can also be part of specific inherited syndromes, although many people with hyperdontia are otherwise healthy. The extra teeth may never erupt and only be seen on X-rays, or they may push through in strange positions and distort the normal bite. Treatment typically involves removing the extra teeth and using braces to guide the remaining teeth into proper alignment.
5. How long do metal teeth last?
Well-made metal crowns or bridges placed by a dentist can last many years with good care – often more than a decade – especially if you keep up with check-ups and cleaning. However, removable metal grills or fashion accessories ordered online may not fit properly, damage your gums and enamel, and fail much sooner. In Singapore, medically necessary metal-based restorations and implant work may sometimes be supported by schemes such as MediSave or CHAS, but purely cosmetic items like decorative grills are generally not subsidised and may come with hidden long-term costs if they harm your natural teeth.
6. Can crooked teeth be fixed?
Yes. Most crooked teeth can be improved significantly. Options range from traditional metal braces and ceramic braces to clear aligner systems. In some cases, your dentist may also reshape, bond or crown specific teeth to refine the smile line once the main alignment is complete. In Singapore, orthodontic treatment is mostly paid out of pocket or through private insurance, but investing in properly aligned teeth can make it easier for you to clean your mouth, reduce future dental problems and feel more confident when you smile or speak.
Conclusion
The world’s weirdest teeth are not just internet curiosities. They are real mouths belonging to real people – some with genetic conditions, some following cultural traditions, some experimenting with extreme body modification, and some simply caught in a cycle of neglect and fear of the dentist.
Whether you are worried about black teeth, extra teeth, fang-like canines, or severe crowding, the main message is this: you are not alone, and you do not have to live with pain or embarrassment forever. In Singapore, there are many pathways – from CHAS-subsidised basic care in the heartlands to specialist treatment at centres like NDCS – that can help you move from weird, uncomfortable or gross teeth towards a mouth that works well and feels more like you.
The earlier you act, the simpler and more affordable the solutions tend to be. If something about your teeth looks or feels “too weird”, take it as your sign to book a dental check-up, ask questions, and start planning your way back to a healthier, more confident smile.
