The Origins of the Multiple Teeth Myth
The rumor that Andre the Giant possessed more teeth than a typical person is a persistent piece of folklore from the world of professional wrestling. A normal adult mouth typically contains 32 teeth. The myth, which sometimes claimed Andre had a shark-like double row of teeth, was part of the wrestling promoters' practice of exaggerating a performer's mystique. Vince McMahon, Sr., among others, would famously boast about Andre's supposed extra teeth and even claim he had two hearts.
This exaggeration of his features, while making him seem more monstrous and formidable in the ring, was a stark contrast to the humanizing stories told by those who knew him. The rumor was so pervasive that even fellow wrestlers like Ric Flair believed it as a young man. However, the reality behind Andre's dental appearance is rooted in his medical condition, not in a fantastical number of teeth.
The Real Impact of Acromegaly on Andre's Teeth
Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder caused by an excess of growth hormone. This condition, which began manifesting in his teenage years, led to the gigantism that defined his life and career. Acromegaly causes the body's tissues and bones to grow abnormally large, particularly in the hands, feet, and face.
The effects on Andre's oral cavity were significant:
- Enlarged Jaw: His jawbone, specifically the lower jaw, was notably enlarged, a condition known as mandibular prognathism. This large structure created an expansive frame for his teeth.
- Small, Peg-Shaped Teeth: Some dental professionals have noted that Andre's actual teeth appeared unusually small, particularly the lateral incisors, and were peg-shaped.
- Teeth Spacing: The overall jaw growth meant that his teeth were more widely spaced than average. This spacing, combined with his larger-than-normal gums and mouth size, created a visual effect of crowding and prominence.
The combination of these factors meant that when he smiled or opened his mouth, the normal-sized teeth and larger oral features gave the strong impression of an unusually vast number of teeth. This is a classic optical illusion, and one that was ripe for exploitation in the dramatic world of wrestling.
The Human Impact of the Myth
While the promoters used the myths for their own benefit, Andre lived with the physical reality of his condition. Beyond his dental appearance, acromegaly caused him immense pain and led to other health complications, including diabetes and heart problems. This pain, in turn, is cited by some who knew him, including The Princess Bride co-star Cary Elwes, as a reason for his heavy drinking.
Debunking the Myth: Promoter Story vs. Medical Reality
To understand the difference between the wrestling hype and the medical facts, it is useful to compare the different versions of the story.
| Aspect | Wrestling Promoter Story (Myth) | Medical Reality (Fact) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of teeth | 68, 74, or a "shark-like" double row | A normal human number of teeth (likely 32) |
| Cause | An extraordinary, almost supernatural, feature of a wrestling giant | Acromegaly, a verifiable and often debilitating hormonal disorder |
| Reason for appearance | Being a "monster" or "the Eighth Wonder of the World" | Enlarged jaw, small teeth, and wider spacing creating a visual distortion |
| Basis for the story | Exaggerated anecdotes from promoters like Vince McMahon, Sr. | Dental explanations from professionals and documented medical knowledge |
The HBO Documentary and the Truth
In the acclaimed HBO documentary Andre the Giant, the myth of his extra teeth is directly addressed and debunked. The film portrays how such tall tales were part of the professional wrestling persona created for him, and how they contributed to the public's perception of his larger-than-life character. The documentary offers a more nuanced look at the man behind the persona, showing how he battled with his health conditions and the physical toll they took on him throughout his life.
Conclusion: The Power of Perception
The story of Andre the Giant's supposed extra teeth is a fascinating example of how perception can be shaped by a combination of medical reality and showmanship. While his acromegaly did give him an impressively large jaw and distinct facial features, the idea of him having multiple rows of teeth was a fabrication designed to enhance his wrestling persona. The reality is that Andre had a normal number of teeth for a human, but his medical condition made them appear more numerous and prominent, feeding a myth that has persisted for decades. This tale serves as a powerful reminder that not all wrestling folklore is based in fact, and the most compelling aspects of a character often lie in the real-life struggles behind the spectacle.
For more information on the man behind the myth, see the HBO documentary André the Giant which provides a definitive look at his life and medical conditions.
