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Originally Posted by Koviack
what's an egg tooth
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The 'egg tooth' is (as I understand it, correct me if I am wrong) actually a scale that young pythons have on their top lip. This is used at hatching time to 'scratch' at the inside of the egg, thus creating a weak spot or tear, enabling them to push their way out through it.
Usually after a few hours or even days with some species, the 'egg tooth' will disappear. I am not sure if it drops off or the scale shrinks or retracts though. I am still looking that info up. I am hearing both sides of the story, so possibly different pythons 'lose' theirs differently.
[Edit note:] Finally, after much searching and misinformation, I have found the answer I require. The Encyclopedia Brittanica states that : Some lizards and snakes develop a true tooth that projects outside the row of other teeth, helps the young to hatch, and then is shed.
The Encyclopedia goes on to state that this is not the case with crocs, turtles and some lizards however, that instead have a skin protrusion, called an 'egg tooth' that is subsequently reabsorbed into the body.
