The Untold Truth: 5 Shocking Facts About Andre The Giant's Teeth And The Acromegaly Connection

The stories surrounding André the Giant’s physical anomalies are legendary, but few details are as consistently shocking and widely discussed as the state of his teeth. As of today, December 10, 2025, the most compelling and recently discussed facts about the "Eighth Wonder of the World's" dental health revolve around a confluence of extreme lifestyle choices and the profound medical effects of his condition, acromegaly, which fundamentally altered his facial and skeletal structure.

The truth is a fascinating blend of wrestling legend, medical reality, and personal tragedy. From the infamous anecdotes shared by fellow wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair about his legendary alcohol consumption to the specific skeletal changes caused by his pituitary disorder, his dental appearance became an unforgettable, and often terrifying, part of his iconic persona.

André René Roussimoff: A Biographical Profile

To understand the unique physical characteristics of the legendary wrestler, it is essential to first look at the man behind the myth, André René Roussimoff, whose life was defined by his extraordinary size.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Full Name: André René Roussimoff
• Ring Name: André the Giant
• Date of Birth: May 19, 1946
• Place of Birth: Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne, France
• Height (Billed): 7 ft 4 in (224 cm)
• Weight (Billed): 520 lbs (236 kg)
• Cause of Death: Congestive heart failure
• Date of Death: January 27, 1993 (aged 46)
• Medical Condition: Acromegaly (Gigantism)

The Medical Reality: Acromegaly and Dental Structure

The most significant factor influencing André the Giant’s appearance, including his teeth and jawline, was his medical condition. André suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces an excessive amount of growth hormone (GH) after the growth plates have closed.

The Impact of Prognathism on His Jaw

One of the tell-tale signs of acromegaly is the accelerated growth of bone and soft tissue, particularly in the face, hands, and feet. This condition is directly responsible for a specific dental anomaly known as prognathism.

• Prognathism Explained: This is a condition where the lower jaw (mandible) grows disproportionately larger than the upper jaw (maxilla), causing it to jut out.
• Facial Features: This overgrowth also led to his prominent supraorbital ridges (heavy brow bone) and an overall elongated and coarsened facial structure.
• Dental Alignment: Prognathism would have caused severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and bite), making it difficult for his upper and lower teeth to meet properly. This misalignment would have contributed to the "terrifying image" many fans recall.

The continuous growth of his jaw and facial bones meant that any standard dental work, such as braces or extensive corrective surgery, would have been extremely complex, likely ineffective long-term, and not a priority for a man who was constantly touring and dealing with chronic pain from his gigantism.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The Legend of the 'Never Brushed' Teeth

Perhaps the most famous and shocking story related to André's dental hygiene comes from his close friends and wrestling colleagues. This anecdote provides a clear, non-medical reason for the yellowish, discolored appearance of his teeth.

Hulk Hogan's Infamous Anecdote

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, a frequent opponent and friend, has repeatedly confirmed the story that André the Giant simply never brushed his teeth. This lack of basic oral hygiene, combined with other factors, cemented the legend of his poor dental health.

• Yellow Discoloration: The most visible result of this neglect was the pronounced yellowing of his teeth.
• Alcohol Consumption: This discoloration was reportedly exacerbated by André’s legendary, staggering consumption of alcohol, particularly beer. Alcohol is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel, leading to staining and decay.
• The Pain Factor: Many close to André suggested his excessive drinking was partially a form of self-medication to cope with the chronic, debilitating pain caused by his acromegaly and the constant stress on his joints and spine. The sheer volume of alcohol—with stories claiming he once drank over 100 beers in a single sitting—would have had a catastrophic effect on his dental health.

Former wrestler Mario Mancini also corroborated that "nobody dared call André the Giant out for anything," suggesting that his sheer size and intimidating presence meant no one, not even Vince McMahon, would confront him about his personal hygiene.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Myth vs. Reality: Did André Have 'Shark Teeth'?

One of the most persistent and unsettling rumors about André’s mouth is the claim that he had an astonishing number of teeth—sometimes cited as 68 teeth—arranged in multiple rows, similar to a shark.

Debunking the 'Shark Teeth' Myth

While this makes for a compelling, terrifying legend, it is widely considered a myth or a gross exaggeration stemming from the visual impact of his condition.

• The Visual Illusion: The myth likely originates from the effects of prognathism. When the lower jaw protrudes significantly, it can create a visual illusion of a larger, more crowded mouth, especially when combined with the lack of dental care and discoloration.
• Acromegaly’s True Effect: Acromegaly causes the bones to become denser and the facial features to coarsen, but it does not typically cause the growth of extra rows of teeth, a condition known as polyphyodonty (which is seen in sharks).
• A Comparison to Other Giants: While other individuals with gigantism have experienced dental crowding and spacing issues due to the accelerated growth of the jawbone, the "shark teeth" claim remains unique to the folklore surrounding André the Giant.

Ultimately, the story of the multiple rows of teeth is a testament to the larger-than-life persona of the "Eighth Wonder of the World." His physical reality, driven by a malfunctioning pituitary gland, was already so extreme that it gave rise to legends that stretched the boundaries of belief.

The Legacy of André's Unforgettable Smile

André the Giant’s teeth, whether discolored from his epic drinking or misaligned due to his acromegaly, were an indelible part of his character. They added a layer of rugged, fearsome authenticity to his wrestling persona, making him one of the most recognizable and intimidating figures in sports entertainment history.

His struggles with dental health and chronic pain are a somber reminder of the physical cost of his fame. The stories of the yellow, unbrushed teeth and the exaggerated myths of the 68 teeth are not just sensational anecdotes; they are pieces of a puzzle that illustrate the unique, painful, and ultimately legendary life of André René Roussimoff.