Canine tooth: Difference between revisions

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'''Canine tooth''' or '''canines''' are the pointed, conical teeth found in the dental arch of both primary (deciduous) and permanent dentitions. They are also known as '''cuspids''' or '''eye teeth''' due to their position under the eyes.
== Canine Tooth ==


== Anatomy ==
[[File:3D_Medical_Animation_Still_Showing_Types_of_Teeth.jpg|thumb|Types of teeth, including canines.]]


The canine teeth are situated at the 'corners' of the dental arches. They have a sharp, pointed biting surface. Their main function is to grip and tear food. The upper canines are larger and longer than the lower canines.
A '''canine tooth''' is a type of [[tooth]] found in [[mammals]], including [[humans]], [[dogs]], and other [[carnivores]]. These teeth are characterized by their pointed shape and are primarily used for gripping and tearing food. In humans, they are located between the [[incisors]] and [[premolars]].
 
== Anatomy and Function ==
 
[[File:Gray157.png|thumb|left|Diagram showing the position of canine teeth in the human mouth.]]
 
Canine teeth are typically longer and more pointed than other types of teeth. They have a single pointed cusp and a long root, which makes them very stable and strong. This structure allows them to effectively tear and hold onto food, which is particularly useful for carnivorous animals.
 
In humans, there are four canine teeth, two in the upper jaw (maxillary canines) and two in the lower jaw (mandibular canines). They are the third tooth from the midline in each quadrant of the mouth.


== Development ==
== Development ==


In humans, the primary upper canines erupt around the age of 16-22 months, while the primary lower canines erupt approximately between 17-23 months. The permanent upper canines replace the primary ones at around 11-12 years of age, and the lower ones at 9-10 years.
Canine teeth develop after the [[incisors]] and before the [[premolars]]. In humans, the primary (baby) canines typically erupt between 16 to 23 months of age, while the permanent canines appear between 9 to 12 years of age.
 
== Variations in Other Species ==
 
[[File:Azawakh_K9.jpg|thumb|Canine tooth of an Azawakh.]]


== Function ==
In many [[carnivorous]] animals, such as [[dogs]] and [[cats]], the canine teeth are highly developed and are used for hunting and defense. In some species, such as the [[walrus]], the canine teeth have evolved into tusks.


The primary function of the canine teeth is to hold, grasp, and tear food. They are essential for maintaining the bite alignment. They also play a significant role in the facial appearance and speech.
[[File:Hydropotes_inermis_male_-_cropped_image.png|thumb|left|Canine tooth of a Hydropotes inermis male.]]


== Canine teeth in animals ==
In [[herbivores]], the canine teeth may be reduced or absent, as they are not needed for processing plant material. However, some herbivores, like the [[musk deer]], have elongated canines that are used for display and fighting.


In many animals, the size and shape of the canine teeth vary widely between species. They are often greatly enlarged in carnivores and omnivores, where they are used primarily for killing prey and for fighting.
== Clinical Significance ==


== Dental health ==
Canine teeth play a crucial role in the alignment and function of the [[dental arch]]. They help guide the teeth into proper occlusion and are important for maintaining the shape of the face. Loss or damage to canine teeth can affect [[chewing]], [[speech]], and [[aesthetics]].


Maintaining the health of the canine teeth is important as they are essential for proper biting and chewing. Regular dental check-ups, brushing, and flossing can help keep these teeth healthy.
== Related Pages ==


== See also ==
* [[Tooth]]
* [[Tooth]]
* [[Dentition]]
* [[Incisor]]
* [[Premolar]]
* [[Molar]]
* [[Dental anatomy]]
* [[Dental anatomy]]
* [[Carnivore]]


[[Category:Dentistry]]
[[Category:Teeth]]
[[Category:Teeth]]
[[Category:Dental anatomy]]
{{dentistry-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Hydropotes_inermis_male_-_cropped_image.png|Canine tooth
File:3D_Medical_Animation_Still_Showing_Types_of_Teeth.jpg|Types of teeth
File:Illu_mouth.jpg|Illustration of the mouth
File:Gray157.png|Canine tooth
File:Gray187.png|Canine tooth
File:Gray1001.png|Canine tooth
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:Azawakh_K9.jpg|Canine tooth of an Azawakh
File:Hydropotes_inermis_male_-_cropped_image.png|Canine tooth of a Hydropotes inermis male
File:3D_Medical_Animation_Still_Showing_Types_of_Teeth.jpg|3D medical animation showing types of teeth
File:Illu_mouth.jpg|Illustration of the mouth
File:Gray157.png|Anatomy of the canine tooth
File:Gray187.png|Diagram showing canine teeth
File:Gray1001.png|Detailed view of canine tooth structure
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 11:25, 23 March 2025

Canine Tooth[edit]

Types of teeth, including canines.

A canine tooth is a type of tooth found in mammals, including humans, dogs, and other carnivores. These teeth are characterized by their pointed shape and are primarily used for gripping and tearing food. In humans, they are located between the incisors and premolars.

Anatomy and Function[edit]

Diagram showing the position of canine teeth in the human mouth.

Canine teeth are typically longer and more pointed than other types of teeth. They have a single pointed cusp and a long root, which makes them very stable and strong. This structure allows them to effectively tear and hold onto food, which is particularly useful for carnivorous animals.

In humans, there are four canine teeth, two in the upper jaw (maxillary canines) and two in the lower jaw (mandibular canines). They are the third tooth from the midline in each quadrant of the mouth.

Development[edit]

Canine teeth develop after the incisors and before the premolars. In humans, the primary (baby) canines typically erupt between 16 to 23 months of age, while the permanent canines appear between 9 to 12 years of age.

Variations in Other Species[edit]

Canine tooth of an Azawakh.

In many carnivorous animals, such as dogs and cats, the canine teeth are highly developed and are used for hunting and defense. In some species, such as the walrus, the canine teeth have evolved into tusks.

Canine tooth of a Hydropotes inermis male.

In herbivores, the canine teeth may be reduced or absent, as they are not needed for processing plant material. However, some herbivores, like the musk deer, have elongated canines that are used for display and fighting.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Canine teeth play a crucial role in the alignment and function of the dental arch. They help guide the teeth into proper occlusion and are important for maintaining the shape of the face. Loss or damage to canine teeth can affect chewing, speech, and aesthetics.

Related Pages[edit]