Fun fact: Hippos can have anywhere from 38 to 44 teeth. That means up to 44 chances for food to get stuck—especially with the healthy servings of fruits and vegetables they get at the zoo.
Even better fact: Hippo teeth cleanings are an actual thing.
While there’s no shortage of amazing animal videos, watching a hippo get its teeth cleaned is both mesmerizing and surprisingly wholesome.
In the clip, a zookeeper—calm and collected—approaches the enormous creature, and the hippo knows exactly what’s about to happen. Its massive mouth opens wide without hesitation, giving the zookeeper full access to its blunt canines. The hippo remains impressively still, showing more patience than most humans in a dentist’s chair.
Next comes the best part—teeth brushing with a ridiculously large toothbrush. The sight is equal parts amusing and awe-inspiring, making it one of those “I didn’t know this was an actual job” moments.
Of course, there’s also the lingering thought that hippos are among the most dangerous animals in Africa—second only to mosquitos—making this whole interaction both wholesome and slightly terrifying.
People couldn’t help but comment on it:
“This is clearly not the first time this happened. I want to see the video of that first cleaning and whether or not the dentist still has their arms.”
And since we’re already diving into hippo trivia, here are five fascinating facts about these massive, water-loving mammals:
1. Hippos Can’t Swim—or Float
Despite spending most of their lives in the water, hippos don’t actually swim. Instead, they stand on their tippy-toes and push off the riverbed to move around. Basically, they’re experts at underwater moonwalking.
2. Their Closest Living Relatives Might Surprise You
Hippos are most closely related to whales—though some scientists argue they share more DNA with pigs. Either way, imagining a whale-pig hybrid somehow makes sense.
3. They Produce Their Own Sunscreen
To protect their sensitive skin from the sun, hippos secrete a pinkish, oily sweat that acts as a natural sunblock. Stylish and practical.
4. Baby Hippos Can Nurse Underwater
Hippo calves stay close to their mothers, even underwater. Their bodies have a special adaptation that allows them to close their nostrils and eyes while suckling, preventing water from getting in.
5. A Group of Hippos Is Called a Bloat
And a bloat can consist of up to 100 hippos at a time. That’s a whole lot of hungry, hungry hippos.
So, while you may never have to book a dental appointment for a hippo, at least now you know how it’s done—and why it’s oddly adorable to watch.