Chicago Family Dentist

Canines are long, pointed teeth that evolved for holding food firmly as a way of making the incisors’ job easier. In some animals, they have developed into weapons, allowing the animal to better protect itself or hunt prey.

While they are typically pointed, canines can come in a more flattened variety as well. When this happens, they resemble incisors. As a result, they are called incisiform. In addition to being the longest teeth in the mouth, they are frequently the largest in a mammal’s mouth. The majority of species that have normal canines have a total of four. Two of these are located in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. A person’s four incisors are located between the canines on each level.  

Humans have two mandibular canines and two maxillary canines. These teeth are frequently the corners of a person’s smile and so are also very important for a person’s appearance. After the canines, the teeth turn and lead into the molars.

Canines are larger and stronger than incisors. Their roots are anchored deep within the bones of the mouth. Because of this, they have well-marked prominence on the surface. The teeth, when one considers their original function for holding food in place or as weapons, have to be strong and anchored well or they would have come out.

Contact a Chicago Family Dentist

For more information on caring for your teeth, to schedule a cleaning, or receive information on cosmetic dentistry, contact the Chicago family dentist Dr. Sumeet Bagai at 773-767-1554 today.