How Many Teeth Does a Snail Have?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 26, 2020

The number of teeth a snail has depends on the type of snail, but the average snail has well over 1,000 teeth. The teeth of snails are contained in rows called a radula. These rows shift and allow missing teeth to be replaced.

Snails are voracious eaters that use their small, sharp teeth to rip through vegetation. The consistent ripping and chewing wears down the teeth and causes the radula to create a new row, pushing all of the rows forward, helping to rotate the teeth.

The radula is sometimes mistaken for a tongue. However, it is possible to hear a snail chew its food, when observed in a quiet room.