It’s no secret that games from FromSoftware are renowned for their unique design. The locations are breathtaking, immersing players in a mysterious and gloomy atmosphere. The equipment and weapons make you feel like the toughest warrior around, and the environmental objects silently—but very eloquently—“tell” stories and reveal the world’s lore.

The character design is also something that can’t be overlooked: the few allies and the numerous enemies. Each boss or mob in FromSoftware games has a memorable appearance, often inspired by images from literature, mythology, or medicine. The latter, as a doctor, especially catches my interest.

So… Well… I present to you the “tooth analysis” and some other anatomy details of well-known monsters from Hidetaka Miyazaki’s games, brought to you by a real dentist. Because, why not?

For reference: I am actually a practicing doctor. I hold a higher education degree in "Dentistry." Day by day, I save people’s teeth, addressing a wide variety of issues. My main focus is therapeutic treatment, but sometimes I also work as a hygienist or surgeon—either cleaning teeth or extracting them.

When meeting a new patient, I always have to deal with the anatomical features of that particular individual. Fortunately, any differences in structure are still within the framework of standard anatomy, which we study in the early years of medical school, and they don’t pose significant challenges in interpretation. But what if an ancient dragon or something even more terrifying shows up for an appointment? How should one approach treatment then? What anatomical features should be considered first?

Almost normal anatomy

The dento-maxillary system is a crucial part of any organism. Its structure can vary significantly depending on the species. However, despite any differences, there’s one thing that always remains the same: the dento-maxillary system is the primary link in the digestive tract chain.

To better understand the unique jaw structures of monsters, it’s useful to first review the more familiar human anatomy. And we don’t need to look far for examples. Any protagonist from FromSoftware’s games can come to the rescue.

Calling Miyazaki’s heroes humans is a stretch. After all, in the overwhelming majority of his projects, the player takes on the role of some form of random undead: The Nameless, The Cursed, The Ashen One, The Faded… The only ones that could be considered more "human" might be the Hunter from Bloodborne and the Wolf from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, though even then, there are nuances.

However, this doesn’t change the fact that, anatomically speaking, each of these characters is based on the image of a regular human, with two arms, two legs, one head, and, most importantly, two jaws and rows of teeth.

Teeth themselves are just one component of the dento-maxillary system, serving the purpose of grinding food and, in the case of humans, also helping in the clearer formation of various sounds during speech.

Human teeth are divided into four groups: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Incisors are needed for grabbing and biting food, canines also help with biting (especially tough items) and securing food, while premolars and molars (small and large back teeth, respectively) are involved in the process of grinding and crushing food.

The rest of the system is formed by:

• Jaws: The upper jaw (maxilla) is immobile, while the lower jaw (mandible) is movable. They provide space for the teeth. Jaws also enable the movement necessary for chewing and speech.
• Alveolar ridges: The "bodies" of the upper and lower jaws, where the dental alveoli (sockets) are located.
• Gums: Soft tissues that surround and support the teeth. They protect the roots of the teeth and the bone. The teeth are also held in the sockets by periodontal ligaments, which also help to absorb the chewing forces.
• Tongue and mucous membrane: The tongue is necessary for speech formation, as well as for chewing and swallowing. The mucous membrane serves as a protective covering for the inner surface of the oral cavity.
• Nerves and blood vessels: These include the trigeminal nerve (responsible for facial sensitivity and jaw movements) and the blood vessels that supply the teeth and jaws.
• Salivary glands: These secrete saliva, which kicks off the digestion process and also ensures basic oral hygiene.
• Chewing muscles: Muscles involved in chewing and jaw movements. The main muscles are the masseter (m. masseter), temporalis (m. temporalis), and the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles (m. pterygoideus medialis and m. pterygoideus lateralis).
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): Connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. It’s essential for allowing the lower jaw to move in different directions.

This detailed breakdown shows just how complex and coordinated the human dental and jaw system is—an intricate network that FromSoftware’s monsters often reinterpret in creative and terrifying ways.

All of the elements listed above are not only present in the protagonists but also in other humanoid characters from Miyazaki's games. Just like us, they can freely express their thoughts through speech using their tongues, chew food thanks to their teeth, display emotions through facial muscles, and open their mouths with the help of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

I wouldn’t dare to claim that any of them regularly care for their oral hygiene, so it’s possible that characters like Melina from Elden Ring or the Fire Keeper from Dark Souls III might suffer from cavities or periodontal diseases. Though, perhaps Estus and its analogs could heal any dental ailments.

Now that we have a general understanding of how the dento-maxillary system works in characters anatomically close to regular humans, it’s time to talk about something completely different: characters whose teeth are far from what we’re used to seeing.

The Gaping Dragon (Dark Souls)

Undoubtedly one of the most striking examples of "toothy" design among all Miyazaki’s characters. A quick glance is enough for the eye to catch the surreal design, characterized by the disproportionate anatomy, the mouth turned inside out, the tiny head, and teeth that cover half of its body’s surface.

The dento-maxillary system of the Gaping Dragon, without exaggeration, plays a pivotal role in crafting the creature’s terrifying appearance. The sheer overwhelming size and placement of the teeth contribute to its grotesque, nightmarish vibe, making it one of the most unsettling enemies in the game. Its mouth becomes more than just a feeding organ—it’s an integral, almost monstrous part of its identity, transforming the creature into something beyond the ordinary.

According to the lore of the first Dark Souls, the Gaping Dragon was originally no different from other dragons. However, at some point, it was overcome by an uncontrollable hunger. It consumed everything that came into its line of sight.

This led to irreversible physical changes to its body: the dragon’s mouth grew to unimaginable sizes, occupying the entire internal cavity of its torso. The metamorphosis became both a blessing and a curse.

The Gaping Dragon can be found in the Depths—a forsaken sewer system that has become home to many mutated creatures of the Kingdom of Lordran. Its transformation into a grotesque, hunger-driven monster reflects the game's theme of the consequences of unchecked desire and the tragic fates of those who succumb to it.

The dragon’s body is covered in tough scales. It has four front and four rear limbs, along with four thin, membranous wings. Its most distinctive feature, however, is its gigantic mouth, filled with sharp, fang-like and tusk-like teeth.

Due to the peculiar structure of its body, the dragon is forced to move on all of its limbs, while keeping its mouth directed toward the ground. The moments when it stands on its hind legs are more of an act of intimidation toward its enemies. Such actions are usually accompanied by a loud roar and a display of its impressive dental array, emphasizing its terrifying presence. The monstrous proportions and unique arrangement of its teeth serve not only as a weapon but also as a symbol of the creature’s overwhelming hunger and dominance.

The dento-maxillary system of the Spitting Dragon is quite unusual. The creature’s mouth consists of both a primary (external) and a secondary (internal) part, which not only gives it a chilling appearance but also allows it to consume food of colossal size.

The primary part of the mouth occupies the lower section of the body almost entirely and is capable of opening widely to the sides. When in motion, it resembles a gaping abyss. The secondary part, on the other hand, consists of several additional rows of teeth located throughout the roof of the mouth, sublingual area, and throat. The dragon’s jawbones are reinforced and have an extremely dense structure to prevent them from breaking during the process of capturing, tearing apart, and chewing food. In this context, "food" typically refers to its enemies.

This unique arrangement of teeth and jaw structure makes the dragon an incredibly efficient predator, capable of consuming large, often dangerous creatures. Its jaw system is not just a tool for eating, but also a weapon, giving the dragon a terrifying advantage in battle.

The teeth of the primary part of the Gaping Dragon’s mouth are long and curved. Their appearance is reminiscent of the fangs of a saber-toothed tiger or the tusks of a mammoth. They are positioned closely together along the length of both jaws, creating a chain-like effect of sharp blades. It’s reasonable to assume that the outer row of teeth is used by the Gaping Dragon to capture and tear apart the flesh of those unfortunate enough to be caught in the monster’s maw. Functionally, they resemble human incisors and canines.

The teeth of the secondary part are shorter, located deeper within the mouth, and even closer together in small groups of 4-12 teeth. They have a shape similar to serrations, like those on an electrocardiogram. These teeth are used for holding, grinding, and chewing food, much like premolars and molars in humans.

The main medical issues the dragon would likely face are an increased risk of cavities, dryness of the oral mucous membrane, and infections in the upper respiratory tract. 

All this is due to the creature keeping its mouth perpetually open. For the same reason, a dental examination might reveal an unpleasant odor, signs of candidal stomatitis (redness and burning in certain areas or across the entire mucosa depending on the extent of the infection), and cracked lips and mouth corners. Given the size of this mouth, there would likely be many bleeding cracks. Clearly, the monster's mouth simply doesn’t produce enough saliva to protect against these issues.

As for changes in the bite or problems with posture and the cervical spine due to the constantly open mouth, it's hard to say anything definitive. Unlike a normal human, the bone and muscle structures of the Gaping Dragon are likely originally adapted to the anatomical and functional needs of the creature, which would prevent any adaptive transformations.

The musculature of the Gaping Dragon’s dento-maxillary apparatus is exceptionally well-developed. The masticatory muscles are attached to the jawbones and form a conglomerate with the muscles of the back and chest. This ensures the most efficient distribution of force when the massive jaws are in motion and allows them to open to an angle greater than ninety degrees.

The tongue is barely noticeable among the endless rows of teeth. However, in terms of strength, it is on par with the masticatory muscles. The tongue has a rough surface covered in small denticles, which help guide food toward the throat. This adaptation supports the dragon's feeding process, enabling it to effectively direct and process large amounts of prey. The combination of these specialized features underscores the creature’s terrifying predatory efficiency.

It can be assumed that the design of the Gaping Dragon (like many other monsters from FromSoftware) is inspired by some of the monsters from the pantheon of Howard Phillips Lovecraft, known for his love of hypertrophied and distorted anatomy.

Additionally, the dragon’s massive, inverted mouth with teeth that visually replace ribs unmistakably suggests that the developers were drawing influence from the body horror genre when creating the character. This is in line with the wonderful traditions of David Cronenberg’s films, where the human body is transformed into something grotesque and unsettling. The Gaping Dragon, with its nightmarish and unnatural form, embodies that sense of fear and fascination with physical distortion that is central to the body horror aesthetic.

The Mimic (Dark Souls series)

A perfect example of what it would be like if furniture needed to visit the dentist. A cunning and treacherous enemy that disguises itself as a chest. In other words, a chest with arms, legs, and... teeth!

The Mimic never reveals its presence until it is disturbed. When at rest, it remains motionless, waiting for careless and overly confident travelers who mindlessly open solitary chests and explore abandoned dungeons. As soon as someone lifts the lid, the Mimic instantly reveals its true form, wrapping its long arms around the victim and sinking its sharp fangs into them.

The Mimic is a prime example of how FromSoftware plays with the grotesque and unexpected, turning everyday objects into horrifying threats. The contrast between the chest’s usual benign function and the deadly, monstrous nature beneath is what makes it so unnerving. Its toothy maw is not only a tool of attack but a visual cue that something far more sinister lurks beneath the surface.

Anatomically, the Mimic usually resembles a chest filled with internal organs. Depending on the species, the creature may or may not have a torso and legs.

In the first case, when it is in a resting position, the Mimic tucks these parts of its body under itself, much like a cat curling its paws beneath its body. In the second case, the monster lacks the ability to move and is forced to remain in one place, hoping for an encounter with any careless adventurer.

The Mimic’s arms are inside the chest, which simultaneously acts as both its head and a massive mouth. The creature has no visible eyes; instead, it relies on other highly developed senses, such as hearing and touch. A distinctive feature of the Mimic is its long, wide tongue, which hangs from its mouth, often reaching down to its knees if it has them.

This grotesque combination of features adds to the eerie and unsettling nature of the Mimic, with its monstrous form disguised as an ordinary, seemingly harmless chest. Its sensory adaptations and monstrous mouth, with a tongue hanging so unnaturally long, emphasize the creature's predatory behavior, patiently waiting for the right moment to strike.

The primary difference between the dento-maxillary system of the Spitting Dragon and that of the Mimic lies in the simplicity of the latter’s design. In the case of the Dragon, its teeth are distributed across three parallel sections of the mouth (when dividing the external part into two halves), forming an anatomical pattern with several distinct rows and groups of teeth. On the other hand, the Mimic's teeth are simply arranged in two rows. Nearly human-like in appearance, though not in the shape of semi-ellipses (upper jaw) and parabolas (lower jaw) like humans, but rather in straight lines.

In fact, almost all of the Mimic’s teeth are anterior. This is a result of the linear arrangement. The upper jaw is formed by the movable chest lid, while the lower jaw is created by the immovable box. This is the opposite of human anatomy. In humans, only the lower jaw can move, thanks to the temporomandibular joint and the group of masticatory muscles, whereas for the Mimic, the upper jaw's mobility is controlled by the lid's movement and a set of hinges.

This anatomical design highlights the differences between these two creatures. While the Spitting Dragon’s complex and sprawling dentition supports its massive, predatory behavior, the Mimic’s teeth—designed for quick and precise attacks—are more akin to those of an ambush predator, easily snapping shut when the opportunity arises. The Mimic’s simplicity in structure contrasts sharply with the Dragon's terrifying grandeur, making it no less dangerous, but in a different, more deceptive way.

The Mimic’s teeth are long, sharp, and curved inward, resembling the claws of an eagle. They are placed very closely together, which, on one hand, contributes to the creature's terrifying appearance, but on the other hand, leads to several dental problems, such as food getting stuck between the teeth and being impossible to remove properly. This could lead to hypertrophy of the interdental papillae, localized inflammation, and increased bleeding. Of course, these issues may not even be relevant for a chest-like creature, but it’s an interesting consideration.

Notably, Mimics have a direct bite (when the front teeth meet precisely along their cutting edges) and pronounced crowding. This could result in accelerated enamel thinning and the development of severe tooth sensitivity. Furthermore, the shape of their teeth isn’t suited for proper biting and grinding of food, which could contribute to inefficient digestion.

It’s safe to assume that these creatures are forced to swallow food in large chunks without proper initial breakdown. This could result in digestive issues, poor overall health, weakened immunity, metabolic disorders, and a decline in appearance. Perhaps this is why Mimics in Dark Souls are so aggressive? Their frustrated, tooth-related problems may translate into their hostility, making them even more dangerous to any adventurer who stumbles upon them. After all, when you're constantly battling discomfort and inefficiency, it could make anyone irritable—especially if you're a bloodthirsty chest monster.

The Mimic's masticatory muscles are highly developed, enabling it to snap its mouth open with incredible speed. This allows it to catch its prey before it can react or dodge. The muscles attach to the jawbones and skull, both of which have an unusually high strength-to-flexibility ratio. This rare combination allows Mimics to instantly grab and securely hold onto their victims.

Their tongue is long, highly flexible, and covered in small, sharp barbs. The Mimic often uses its tongue as an additional appendage during an attack, snaring its victim even more effectively. The throat is wide and deep, enabling the creature to swallow particularly large prey whole. Based on these anatomical traits, it seems that Mimics are perpetually hungry creatures, always ready to devour anything that crosses their path. This insatiable appetite likely fuels their aggression, making them even more terrifying in their pursuit of food.

The Mimic concept is not unique to Dark Souls and has appeared in various forms in different cultures and media. In fact, the idea of creatures capable of disguising themselves as inanimate objects has been around for a long time. For example, in Slavic mythology, a creature like the Vodyanoy could be considered a type of mimic due to its ability to transform into various objects.

In the context of video games, the concept of a Mimic is widely believed to have originated in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. One of the game's creators, Gary Gygax, introduced the Mimic monster in the original Monster Manual from 1977. In that early depiction, the Mimic could assume the shape of a treasure chest, lying in wait for unsuspecting adventurers to approach. This idea would go on to influence many subsequent games, including Dark Souls, where Mimics remain one of the most iconic and treacherous enemies.

In relation to Japanese mythology, the mimics in Dark Souls can be seen as something similar to Tsukumogami — an object that has gained a soul. In Japanese culture, any item that exists in the world for more than a hundred years may become animated and gain consciousness, thereby transforming into a Tsukumogami. Perhaps some of the chests in Lordran have simply turned 101 years old and grown teeth?

Mohg, Lord of Blood (Elden Ring)

One of the demigods of the Lands Between. A very powerful and formidable being. He is from an ancient cursed lineage. Also known as Mohg the Shining or the son of Godfrey, the first Elden Lord. He resides in the Mohgwyn Palace, a place of dark altars and terrifying sacrifices.

In appearance, Mohg resembles a demon, combining both human and beastly traits. The most distinctive feature of the monster is the scars and blood symbolism that cover his entire body. He continues to add to these patterns by performing blood rituals to strengthen his influence. Compared to the two previous characters, Mohg’s dentition is not a defining element of his design, but it still holds particular anatomical interest.

Of all the creatures presented in the list, Mohg's anatomy most vividly expresses human traits. Despite the presence of beastly species characteristics, the creature still resembles a large, broad-shouldered man with the head of a demon. This striking combination of forms creates an image that not only inspires fear but also admiration for the majesty of the character.

Mohg’s head is large enough to house a dozen intertwined “ram’s” horns, one of which grows into the left eye of the monster. From this, we can deduce that the monster’s field of vision is at least half limited.

The jaws of Godfrey’s offspring are well-developed and adapted for powerful grabbing and instant tearing of prey. This is facilitated not only by incredibly dense bone structures but also by powerful chewing muscles with an extremely mobile temporomandibular joint, hidden behind bony horn protrusions.

A distinctive feature of Mohg’s dentition is the length of his teeth. The roots of his teeth extend deep into the jawbones to ensure a stable attachment and prevent fractures under increased loads during jaw activity. Based on personal experience, I can say that the average length of a tooth, including its root, in a human being is between 19 and 27 millimeters. For Mohg, this measure is three to four times longer.

On the one hand, this length does indeed contribute to greater strength. However, if Mohg were to develop pulpitis or periodontitis (inflammation or death of the nerve in a tooth), treating such conditions would be very problematic. Not even the longest tools would be enough for the mechanical treatment of the root canal.

Mohg's teeth somewhat resemble those of sharks — in his mouth, you’ll find several parallel rows of teeth, all consisting of pointed fangs. Additionally, another four fangs precede the mouth opening and protrude outward, almost like those of a boar.

The large and small external fangs are bigger than the regular teeth. They are clearly necessary for piercing prey and dealing high primary damage during attacks. It is precisely the combination of human traits and features from several animals that makes Mohg’s appearance so memorable.

As with the Mimic, the inward-curved shape of the teeth and their dense arrangement contribute to poor chewing efficiency and cause food to get stuck between the teeth. Moreover, considering that Mohg has a large number of teeth, this further promotes the development of inflammatory processes and bleeding in the oral cavity. However, the latter will likely be beneficial for the Blood Lord.

Consuming blood naturally does not bode well unless you are a demon or a vampire. For an ordinary person, a "bloody diet" will most likely end in death. In the best case, due to malnutrition from the lack of essential nutrients, and in the worst — due to the development of liver cirrhosis from excessive iron accumulation in the organs and tissues.

In addition to the character's appearance, the conceptual essence of Mohg, the Lord of Blood, is inspired by a combination of many diverse elements.

Through his actions, the monster draws on the experience of ancient priests who used blood in rituals to receive blessings. Ideologically, the creature is closer to the representatives of the dark fantasy genre, blended with the chronicles of the lives of the most bloodthirsty historical rulers. Anatomically, it incorporates traits from some aggressive animals. As it is well known, where there are large sharp teeth, there is always a thirst for blood.

The Vanguard (Demon's Souls)

Apart from the decayed teeth of a few weak mobs, it is the huge, sharp fangs of the Vanguard that first greet the doomed travelers in the world of Demon's Souls.

Without any expectation of serious danger—literally from the first steps of the upcoming adventure—the player's character casually turns a corner inside the corridors of the starting castle. However, there, already waiting for them, is a monstrous creature of majestic size, with teeth protruding from its mouth. Then follows a deafening roar. A swing of the axe. A strike. The freshly minted hero perishes.

In the final moments of life, the victim manages to take a closer look at the stinking mouth of the creature that just killed them.

If the dying person were a dentist, they would certainly notice some peculiarities in the structure of the opponent’s dental system.

First of all, it’s worth noting that the arrangement of the teeth in the jaw of Vanguard resembles something between the anatomy of the Open-Mouthed Dragon and the Blood Lord Mog. From the first monster, it borrowed the double (outer and inner) tooth row specifically on the upper jaw, and from the second, it took the long, pointed teeth of the same shape along the entire alveolar ridge.

The outer row consists of the largest teeth, which resemble stakes in shape and protrude beyond the mouth in the amount of eight. These particular teeth are necessary for Vanguard to pierce especially tough enemy armor and strike fear into opponents.

The row behind them consists of smaller teeth of the same shape. They function as a complement to the outer row and are responsible for holding and tearing flesh.

The teeth of the lower jaw are the smallest. Additionally, they clearly demonstrate the presence of diastema (wide gaps between the teeth) in the monster. This is not a very common, but quite serious problem.

Unlike the Mimics, whose teeth are so tightly packed that it's very hard to remove food stuck in the mesiodistal space, Vanguard faces the opposite issue. The interdental space is so wide that cleaning the gaps is almost too easy, but significantly more food gets stuck in there.

As a result, if proper hygiene is not maintained, the food stuck between the teeth turns into a perfect breeding ground for microorganisms, which in turn, by producing various acids (e.g., pyruvic, lactic, propionic acids, etc.), lead to a number of oral diseases.

I'm not sure Vanguard finds time to floss or even clean his teeth once a day, so I believe his mouth could harbor everything from bad breath to periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontal ligaments).

In addition to the strong bones of the skull, the highly mobile joint, and the developed chewing muscles, Vanguard's jaw is held in place by special attachments resembling suspenders. I assume that, like the muscles, these attachments are made of striated muscle tissue and are covered with mucous membranes. These anatomical structures are probably crucial for additional fixation of the massive lower jaw during movement.

The "Guardian" also displays a pronounced distal bite, where the upper jaw significantly protrudes over the lower. This means that, at the very least, it could suffer from joint pain, experience chewing difficulties, and wear out its teeth faster.

The monster has a hard and ridged palate. On its surface, there are pointed teeth that help hold large pieces of food in the mouth. The tongue is long and rough, covered in papillae. Like the Mimics, Vanguard's throat reaches impressive proportions relative to its body size. It seems that consuming something massive in such huge quantities is the prerogative of nearly every Miyazaki character.

It’s possible that, just like when designing the Open-Mouthed Dragon, the Japanese developers at FromSoftware were inspired by the works of Howard Phillips Lovecraft, mixed with their own mythological heritage, when creating the appearance of Vanguard. Among other things, the creature's image clearly resembles how Europeans typically depict gargoyles. Only with enormous teeth gnashing from its mouth.

***

I should clarify that any assumptions made above regarding the anatomy of the monsters will remain just that—assumptions.

Any reflections on the structure and function of the dental systems of the creatures from the games are based purely on suppositions, expansive ideas, direct and indirect comparisons with normal anatomy, and my own medical imagination. Therefore, this material should not be perceived as the final word, and you shouldn’t rush to write a thesis based on it. It's better to simply have fun with it and view your favorite games from a different perspective.

Studying the anatomy of the dental systems in characters from FromSoftware games allowed me to look at the work of video game designers in a new way—a more attentive one. As funny as it may sound, by understanding how a dragon, more resembling a giant mouth with short legs, is designed, we can get a sense of the ideas that went into the creation of that character. Through the lens of one specific character, we can hypothesize how the developers generally view certain characters in their games.

And as for the teeth? Teeth are just a tiny detail in the overall development of the final character design. But, just like with a living person, this little detail is incredibly important. It shapes how we see and remember the face of a hero, a villain, or a simple passerby. Even if that passerby is a two-meter-tall chest with arms, legs, a long tongue, and sharp teeth.

Translated from source