Malaysian Engineer Achieves Guinness World Record with 42 Teeth
While many people focus on cosmetic dental enhancements like veneers and filters, one man's natural smile has earned him a place in the record books. Prathab Muniandy, a 33-year-old engineer from Malaysia, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for having the most teeth in a person's mouth (male), with an astonishing total of 42 erupted teeth.
Discovery During a Casual Family Gathering
Prathab first noticed his unusual dental condition in 2021 during a simple family tea-time gathering. He mentioned to his relatives that he seemed to have extra teeth growing, and together they counted 38 teeth at that time. Following this, a dental X-ray revealed four additional teeth that had yet to erupt. By early 2023, all 42 teeth had fully emerged, most of them growing straight without any complications.
"I first noticed this in 2021 during a family tea-time gathering, when I mentioned to my family that I seemed to have extra teeth growing," Prathab shared with Guinness World Records. "We counted them together and found that I had 38 teeth at the time. A dental X-ray later showed that there were four more teeth that had yet to erupt. By early 2023, I realized that I had a total of 42 teeth. Fortunately, most of the teeth grew straight and without any complications."
Official Verification and Public Reaction
The record was officially verified on December 28, 2023, in Klang, Selangor, after examinations by two dentists confirmed the count, along with two additional unerupted teeth. People are often surprised and find it hard to believe when they learn about Prathab's condition, as he has 10 more teeth than the average person, who typically has 32.
"People are usually very surprised and initially find it hard to believe, especially when they learn that I have 10 more teeth than the average person, who typically has 32 teeth," Prathab noted.
Daily Care and Personal Significance
Despite the attention, Prathab maintains a simple oral hygiene routine, brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. As a father of one, he balances his family life with the newfound fame. He expressed that holding this title feels amazing and special, and he credited his dentists, Dr. Shovannia and Dr. Arivinthaan, for their support in maintaining his oral health.
"It feels amazing and quite special to know that I hold a world record for having the most teeth," Prathab said, according to an NDTV report.
Context and Global Comparisons
For context, Kalpana Balan from India holds the female record with 38 teeth. Prathab's condition, known as hyperdontia, which refers to having extra teeth, has made him a viral sensation online, with Guinness World Records sharing his story on social media platform X. This unique dental anomaly highlights the diversity of human biology and has captured public interest worldwide.
