A tooth (plural teeth) is a undersized, calcified, whitish structure initiate in the jaws (or mouths) of multitudinous vertebrates and habituated to to sever down food. Some animals, explicitly carnivores, also partake of teeth in behalf of hunting or instead of defensive purposes. The roots of teeth are covered by means of gums. Teeth are not made of bone, but degree of multiple tissues of varying density and hardness.

The unrestricted design of teeth is be like across the vertebrates, although there is of distinction modifying in their shape and position. The teeth of mammals get profound roots, and this design is also found in some fish, and in crocodilians. In most teleost fish, however, the teeth are attached to the outer rise of the bone, while in lizards they are fastened to the inner interface of the jaw by way of harmonious side. In cartilaginous fish, such as sharks, the teeth are joined beside tough ligaments to the hoops of cartilage that accumulate the jaw.