How Many Teeth Do Hippos Have?

How many teeth do hippos have? It’s a question that often surprises people given their diet of grass and plants. The answer: Typically 36 teeth, including a mix of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. But there’s far more to the story. These colossal mammals, native to sub-Saharan Africa, are full of fascinating contradictions. Though mostly herbivorous, hippos are equipped with one of the most powerful bite forces in the animal kingdom. Their aggressive behavior, territorial instincts, and massive size make them not just iconic but also dangerous when provoked. Let’s dive deep into the world of the hippopotamus—from their dental anatomy to their surprising habits and everything in between.

The Dental Arsenal of the Hippopotamus

A hippo’s mouth is a powerhouse. While most adult hippos have 36 teeth, some individuals retain their “milk teeth” (baby teeth), occasionally ending up with one or two extras. These teeth are not all the same—each type serves a unique purpose. The breakdown of their dental structure is as follows:

• 8 incisors

• 4 canines

• 12 premolars

• 12 molars

The incisors and canines are the most visually striking. In males, these can grow exceptionally long—canines can reach up to 20 inches. Surprisingly, despite being herbivores, hippos’ canines and incisors are primarily used not for eating, but for fighting and protection.

Meanwhile, the premolars and molars, found at the back of the jaw, are flat and ridged—perfect for grinding up tough plant material like grass. These teeth do most of the actual work when it comes to feeding. However, over time, the constant wear from chewing can cause serious issues. Older hippos may lose the ability to chew efficiently, sometimes leading to starvation if they can no longer process food properly.

The Jaw Strength That Rivals Apex Predators

Beyond just the number of teeth, the hippopotamus has one of the most fearsome bite forces in the animal kingdom. Their massive jaws can open to an astonishing 150 to 180 degrees, forming a gaping yawn that reveals their sharp weaponry. These jaws can deliver a bite force of about 1,800 pounds per square inch (psi)—a number that dwarfs even some of nature’s most notorious predators:

• Lion: ~650 psi

• Polar Bear: ~1,200 psi

• Hippo: ~1,800 psi

This combination of powerful jaw muscles and continually self-sharpening teeth (from routine chewing and jaw movement) makes the hippo a formidable opponent in the wild—even if it’s not hunting prey.

Diet: Grazers by Nature, But Not Always

Although hippos are classified as herbivores, their behavior shows occasional exceptions. Their primary diet consists of:

• Grasses

• Small shoots

• Seeds

They typically graze for hours each night, consuming up to 80 pounds of vegetation. However, rare observations have documented hippos consuming meat—including cannibalistic behavior where they eat other hippos. While this is not normal or frequent, it does occur under conditions of extreme environmental stress or malnutrition.

These rare carnivorous tendencies highlight an important point: hippos are incredibly adaptable. While their biology is built for grazing, their instincts can shift toward survival behaviors if the ecosystem demands it.

Territorial Titans: Behavior and Aggression

Hippos are often perceived as calm and slow-moving giants, but that couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to protecting their territory. Despite their herbivorous nature, they are:

• Extremely territorial, especially in water

• Highly aggressive when provoked

• Protective of their young and social units

They are responsible for more human deaths in Africa each year than lions, elephants, or crocodiles. Most attacks are the result of people unknowingly crossing into hippo territory or getting too close to a mother and her calf.

In water, where they spend most of their lives, hippos are deceptively fast and agile. They can charge through rivers and lakes with surprising speed, using their massive jaws as weapons to defend themselves or assert dominance.

The Ecological Role of the Hippopotamus

Beyond their physical presence, hippos play a critical ecological role. Their daily routines have an impact on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems:

• Their dung contributes nutrients to aquatic systems, supporting fish and plant life.

• Their grazing patterns shape vegetation around riverbanks and savannas.

• By creating and maintaining water paths, they can alter the hydrology of rivers and wetlands.

Despite their fierce nature, hippos help maintain a healthy balance in their habitat. But that balance is fragile, especially as environmental stressors like drought, pollution, and habitat loss become more common.

Tooth Wear and Survival Challenges

Even the mightiest jaws can wear down. The natural wear and tear of their grinding teeth becomes a major challenge for hippos as they age. Worn-out molars make it difficult to chew properly, and this can become fatal if the hippo is unable to consume enough food.

Other stressors, such as changes in climate or human interference, can further complicate a hippo’s ability to survive. Reduced water availability can increase territorial conflict, while pollution can poison their food and water sources.