Fangs Among Us- Humans with Canine teeth
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Since we were kids, some of us have been obsessed with vampires. We wondered if we could have those sharp fangs. As we grew up, some of the neighborhood kids got those sharp teeth, which we started calling vampire teeth. There is nothing to worry about as it is a completely normal phenomenon, and in dental terms, it is called a canine teeth.
There are many myths about humans with canine teeth. They are vampire-like fangs that could hurt someone while biting, but this is not the case every time; these canine teeth function just like normal teeth.
However, it may cause pain and impact neighboring teeth structure after a time. These distinct sets of teeth can be fascinating at times. Surprisingly, some people even find them attractive at times. So let’s just get more into understanding these canine teeth in detail.
In this article, we will delve into the concept of humans with canine teeth and understand their function, treatment options, and much more.
What are human canine teeth?
Canine teeth in humans are pointed teeth located at the corners of the mouth, between the incisors and the premolars. There are four canine teeth inside your mouth. Two of them are in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. They are typically sharp and designed for tearing food and are often referred to as cuspid teeth. Canine teeth play a vital role in the biting and tearing process, especially for tougher foods. In terms of evolution, canine teeth are thought to be an indication of our carnivorous ancestors, aiding in the consumption of raw meat. Let’s understand more functions of this unique set of teeth.
Functions of Canine teeth:
Canine teeth in humans are inside our mouth for the same purpose as most other teeth, which is to adequately break down food for digestion. For tearing and gripping tougher foods such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, these canine teeth are used by humans commonly.
We also use our canine teeth to guide food into the best position for biting down. These teeth are also used to support the structure of your mouth. Canines work with the incisors to make certain sounds when we speak. Some cultures around the world have been practicing sharpening their canines throughout history to make them more noticeable or intimidating-looking. That’s why humans with canine teeth can chew and break down food well and look attractive as well.
Why are they called humans with canine teeth?
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These unique sets of teeth get their name because of their fang-like appearance, which looks similar to those of a dog breed called canines. Canine dogs are known to show their fangs in situations where they feel threatened; that’s why these extraordinary sets of teeth are associated with canines. A human with canine teeth has two unique parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of your teeth, so that’s the first thing we see when we open our mouth. The root is underneath the gums and is not visible; it serves as an anchor for the tooth in your jawbone. The canine tooth is positioned in the middle of four teeth on either side.
Canine Tooth Conditions and Issues:
Canine tooth conditions and issues are very common. It can happen to anyone after a certain age, and the condition of canines can vary according to their causes and reasons. These issues and conditions can lead to pain, discomfort, and potential tooth loss if left untreated, with the most prevalent issue being periodontal disease due to plaque and tartar accumulation on the teeth. The common canine teeth conditions can be:
Gingivitis (inflamed gums)
Periodontal disease (infection affecting the gums and bone around teeth)
Fractured teeth, plaque, and tartar buildup
Tooth decay, malocclusion (misaligned teeth)
Oral masses and developmental abnormalities
What are the treatment options?
There are several reasons why humans with canine teeth want to reshape them, mostly to remove the sharp point. These can be too sharp at times, which could lead to gum injuries. This may also be an aesthetic concern, as some people don’t like the look of long, sharp canines. Let’s find out a few ways to reduce your canine teeth.
1. Dental Bonding:
Dental bonding is a process that is used for many cosmetic purposes, such as recoloring yellowed or blotched teeth and reshaping canines. It involves adding a tooth-colored resin to the canines, which is then hardened with a special light.
2. Tooth Reshaping:
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Odontoplasty, commonly known as tooth reshaping, is a procedure that helps remove small amounts of enamel from the tooth to alter its shape. It can also be used to reshape canines and correct minor misalignments.
3. Dental Veneers:
Dental veneers are another effective way to reshape your canines and improve your smile. Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the surface of the teeth. These Porcelain veneers can also be used to cover any discolored or misshapen canine teeth, making them look more uniform and aesthetically pleasing.
4. Tooth Recontouring:
Recontouring is a very similar process to tooth reshaping, however, this procedure is restricted to just the enamel layer of the tooth. This is much less invasive, but the results aren’t as evident as with reshaping.
Conclusion:
Humans with canine teeth can be intimidating and attractive-looking. However, understanding the reason between those distinct teeth can help you learn more about your oral structure. Canine teeth are known to break down tougher food to help you chew them and digest them properly. Though they may look attractive, these teeth can result in dental issues with time. They can invade the structure of your teeth and can also injure your gums. Many treatment options are available for treating and removing canine teeth to reduce discomfort. So, these unique teeth that are named after a dog breed make them even more unique.
FAQ:
Is it normal for humans to have canine teeth?
Most people have four canine teeth — one in each quadrant (upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left). Canine teeth help you tear into foods like meat and crunchy vegetables. Sometimes, people call canines “eye teeth” because of their position directly under the eyes.
How rare are canine teeth in humans?
All humans have canine teeth, but we usually don’t notice them because they don’t look pointier or out of proportion to the other teeth.
Why did humans develop canine teeth?
Early hominids may have found those four sharp teeth at the corners of the jaws a handy weapon for taking prey, preventing others from taking their prey, and competing for mates. Over millions of years, possibly in response to dietary changes, the teeth became smaller.
