Our teeth are 'no longer fit for purpose' according to a scientist from the University of Sheffield, who thinks humans will eventually evolve to have a puffer-like beak.
Dr Gareth Fraser has studied the jaws and beaks of puffers, which endlessly renew the tooth-like material their beaks are made from throughout their lives.
Sheffield scientists also identified the cell that that allows sharks to continuously shed and regrow throughout their lifespan.
We humans have to get by with just two sets of teeth throughout our entire lives — and with our increasing lifespans and modern diets, we could definitely do with a few more.
"Our research is focused on looking for ways in which we can replicate the way that fish create an endless supply of teeth and bring this capability to humans," Dr Fraser said. Eventually it could be possible for humans to re-grow teeth as we need them.
Dr Fraser also reckons that eventually humans will evolve to grow beaks like pufferfish, which he says may be 'more robust and practical' — although that's unlikely to happen for a few million years yet!
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