Canine Tooth Details
- Canine teeth are also known as cuspids, dog teeth, eye teeth, vampire teeth, or vampire fangs.
- They are relatively long and pointed.
- Canines are used for firmly holding and tearing food, as well as occasionally as weapons.
- They are often the largest teeth in a mammal's mouth.
- Most species have four canines, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower.

Canine Tooth Eruption
- Upper canines (eye teeth) erupt between the ages of eleven and twelve years, while lower canines erupt between nine and ten years.
- Deciduous canines (baby teeth) typically erupt between sixteen and twenty-two months and shed between ten and twelve years.
- The upper canines are larger and longer than the lower canines.
- Upper canines usually have a distinct basal ridge.
- Lower canines usually erupt slightly earlier than upper canines.

Developmental Defects
- Transposition, the positional interchange of two adjacent teeth, is a common developmental defect in canines.
- The upper canine is frequently transposed with the first premolar, while the lower canine is transposed with the lateral incisor.
- Occasionally, canines can be congenitally missing.

Maxillary Canine Morphology
- Maxillary canines are approximately one millimeter narrower than the central incisor from a facial aspect.
- They resemble the adjacent lateral incisors on their mesial aspects and anticipate the first premolars on their distal aspects.
- Maxillary canines are slightly darker and more yellow in color compared to other anterior teeth.
- They have well-developed mesial and distal marginal ridges and a prominent lingual ridge.
- The root of the maxillary canines is the longest root of any tooth and conical in shape.

Mandibular Canine Morphology
- Mandibular canines are placed closer to the middle line than the upper canines.
- They are notably narrower mesiodistally than the maxillary canines.
- The root of the mandibular canines may be just as long as the maxillary canines and can be bifurcated.
- The mandibular canines have a nearly straight outline compared to the slightly bowed maxillary canines.
- Lingually, the surface of the mandibular canines is smoother and the cingulum is less developed compared to the maxillary canines.

Functions of Canine Teeth
- Canine teeth are used for biting and tearing food.
- They play a crucial role in the process of mastication.
- Canines help in maintaining the shape and alignment of the dental arch.
- These teeth aid in speech production by controlling airflow.
- Canine teeth contribute to facial aesthetics by providing support to the lips and cheeks.

Dental Development and Agenesis
- Agenesis of maxillary permanent canines is a rare condition.
- Bilateral agenesis of maxillary canines has been reported in the literature.
- The prevalence of agenesis of maxillary canines varies among different populations.
- Dental agenesis can have genetic and environmental causes.
- A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the management of agenesis cases.

Sexual Dimorphism and Canine Size
- Canine sexual dimorphism in Ardipithecus ramidus resembles that of humans.
- The size of canines can be an indicator of sexual selection.
- Wide faces and large canines have been associated with aggressive behavior in primates.
- Canine size can influence attractiveness in primate species.
- Canine size may have played a role in the evolution of human facial features.

Evolutionary Significance of Canine Teeth
- Canine teeth have been present in mammalian ancestors for millions of years.
- The shape and size of canines have evolved in response to dietary changes.
- Canine teeth have been used for intraspecific competition and display.
- Canines can be used as weapons for defense and predation.
- The presence of canines in different species reflects their adaptive significance.

Dental Anatomy and Histology
- Canine teeth have a single root and a pointed crown.
- The enamel of canine teeth is thicker compared to other teeth.
- The pulp chamber of canines is relatively large.
- Canine teeth have a well-developed periodontal ligament.
- Histological analysis reveals unique features of canine tooth structure.