Killer whale teeth?

Question

Is it true that trainers at Seaworld always blunt the teeth of killer whales so that they don't get hurt if they get bitten?

Everytime I watch the Shamu show, it seems like the orca's teeth are worn out and flat, but in the wild they seem sharp and longer. I wonder if it's because they keep brushing their teeth in Seaworld?

Also how is it that killer whales, being top predators in the ocean, only have about 48 teeth, none of which sharp, and if they lose a few they can't hunt anymore? Why are they not as adapted to their environment as say the Great White Shark which has loads of sharp teeth that keep getting replaced?

Answer 1

It would be all but impossible to deliberately blunt the tooth of any whale, including the killer whale.

Answer 2

You know, what would be the point (no pun intended)? The orca could easily crush the trainer or carry them down and hold them underwater until they drowned. Sharp teeth would be the least of their worries.

Answer 3

orca teeth arent sharp, they look a bit like a bannana, and theyre about the same size.

Answer 4

I dont know about the Sea World part but Killer Whales are the top predators by hunting in pods with a leader. They can easily take down a shark or a whale of any size. They have known to go after sharks and kill them and Gray whales. Their teeth are sharp and easily tear flesh.

Answer 5

No.  It would be useless to do so.  It's not the sharpness of the tooth that's the danger.  It's the power of the bite.  Many a fool who thought owning a tiger or other exotic animal as a pet learned this the hard way.