Do you know where your eye teeth are?

Also referred to as canines, eye teeth sit third from the central teeth on the upper jaw. The central teeth are called central incisors, the ones next to them are the lateral incisors, and then comes the eye teeth.

The term ‘eye teeth’ is also derived from their location, which is below the eyes. So, the next time someone asks about your eye teeth, they’re the same as your canines, fangs, or cuspids.

They’re associated with several names that give a clue about their appearance and position in the mouth. They look like a dog’s fangs, but they’re shorter and aren't as sharp.

What’s the role of the eye teeth?

The eye teeth first erupt between 16 to 20 months of age. They help you do the following:

• Form and pronounce words properly. They’re vital in controlling airflow in the mouth as you speak and form words.
• Eat and chew safely. Known as the sharpest teeth, the eye teeth help you grip and tear food into smaller pieces.
• Guide the other teeth. Although they’re not located at the center, they still guide the other teeth as they erupt or when you bite down on food.
• Support the mouth structure. They serve as support to the mouth structure. Weakened or missing eye teeth can lead to a misaligned bite.

Common eye teeth issues and how they’re treated

The canine or fang teeth are strong, but they’re not immune to dental issues. Problems can arise if they don’t develop or aren’t cared for properly.

• Gum recession

The eye teeth can be vulnerable to dental erosion due to their prominence. They often receive greater pressure when you brush, which can cause the gums to recede and the enamel to erode.

Aside from aggressive brushing, other potential causes of gum recession include poor dental hygiene, smoking, and gum disease. If these teeth come out crooked, they become harder to clean, which can increase the risks of tartar buildup or gum disease.

The gums are also stretched and thin, which increases their chances of getting damaged during accidents or injuries. Boosting dental care can keep the eye teeth in good condition.

For advanced gum disease or periodontitis, your dentist may recommend getting a soft tissue grafting or pocket depth reduction.

Soft tissue grafting aims to address tissue loss, while pocket depth reduction removes harmful bacteria and tartar trapped below the gumline.

• Impaction

Impaction occurs when the teeth don’t erupt properly. The eye teeth may come in high up in front of or underneath other teeth.

Impacted eye teeth need to be treated as soon as possible to prevent further dental health problems. They can be unsightly, which can affect a person’s confidence.

Possible treatments include braces, extraction, bridges, and implants. Braces make space for the tooth. Extraction gets rid of any interfering tooth.

Bridges and implants, on the other hand, are for older patients and may be recommended to fill gaps between teeth.

How can I keep my eye teeth healthy?

Here are some tips to take care of your eye teeth and gums:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently.
• Floss daily to get rid of deposits between teeth that the toothbrush won’t reach.
• Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Ensure regular dental checkups.
• Don’t let children walk, run, or play with anything in their mouth, such as pencils.

The gums and teeth won’t grow back once they recede, erode, or become damaged. Take good care of them so you can keep your beautiful, healthy, and confident smile.

Do you have more questions about your eye teeth? Does your child seem to have impacted teeth? Contact our dental office in NW Calgary today or give us a call at (587) 355-2524. 

We do our best to answer your questions and book you an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible.

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