Eye Teeth: Discover Their Role in Your Dental Health
You know them as canines, but did you know they’re also called eye teeth? Positioned adjacent to your incisors, these sharp, pointed teeth serve a crucial purpose in your oral health. Eye teeth do a lot more than you think, from helping you chew your food to adding character to your smile.
If you’ve wondered (like, what are eye teeth, and what do we do with them, and how do we care for them?), you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you need to know about the teeth, what they do for your dental health, common problems that occur with them, and tips for maintaining their health.
What Are Eye Teeth?
Eye teeth (also referred to as canines) are the pointed teeth positioned between your incisors (the front teeth) and your premolars. Adult humans usually have four canines—two on the upper jaw and two on the lower. The term “eye teeth” refers to their location under the eyes, namely, the upper canines, whose roots reach the region of the eyes.
These teeth are some of the most powerful and resistant in your mouth, expertly engineered for the job they do.
The Role of Eye Teeth in Chewing
Your eye teeth are not just there for decoration—they’re essential to the mechanics of eating.
1. Biting and Tearing Food
Your eye teeth, unlike your flat incisors that do cutting, are designed to bite into and rip apart tougher foods. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender piece of steak or a crisp apple. Those sharp ends make it simpler.
2. Guiding Jaw Alignment
The eye teeth serve as “anchor” teeth for the position of your teeth. (They also help line up your upper and lower jaws in the right position as you chew or bite.) This function is especially crucial for maintaining a proper bite and avoiding excessive erosion of adjacent teeth.
Why Are Eye Teeth Important?
1. Smile Aesthetics
Your canines are an important part of your smile. Their narrow tips add balance and definition to your teeth. In fact, missing or out of alignment eye teeth can make the smile appear very different, even asymmetrical at times.
2. Teeth Alignment and Stability
Eye teeth play a significant role in helping to keep your teeth aligned. They serve as stabilizers, anchoring surrounding teeth. A problem with a canine can send waves through your entire dental structure, causing misalignment or overcrowding.
Common Issues with Eye Teeth
Your eye teeth are susceptible to the same potential problems as all teeth. If you know what to look for, you can avoid serious dental issues later on.
1. Impacted Eye Teeth
Impacted canines happen when these teeth fail to emerge properly, remaining trapped in the gum or jawbone. This problem usually needs a dentist or orthodontist intervention. Eye teeth that are impacted can become painful, or damage nearby teeth, or disrupt alignment.
2. Misalignment or Crowding
Eye teeth can be subject to crowding problems because they have such an important role in alignment. This is especially prevalent in individuals with smaller jaws or not enough space in the mouth for their teeth
3. Tooth Sensitivity
The location of the eye teeth combined with their function means that they can become sensitive if their enamel wears away or the gums recede exposing the root.
How to Care for Your Eye Teeth
The good news is that keeping your eye teeth healthy is much easier than you might think. With maintenance they can last a lifetime and sustain their important contributions to your smile and comprehensive dental health.
1. Brush and Floss Daily
If you want healthy teeth, pay special attention when brushing your eye teeth. Brush each side of the tooth and along the gumline using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Remember to floss regularly to get rid of food particles and plaque that get stuck between the teeth.
2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for identifying problems such as impacted or misaligned eye teeth. Detect problems early so your dentist can correct them before they worsen.
3. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
High-sugar and acid foods can erode your eye teeth’s enamel, causing sensitivity and decay. Eat a good balanced diet with all of the calcium and other nutrients that build strong teeth.
4. Consider Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments such as braces or aligners will correct your misalignment or impacted canine if you have one. Your dentist or orthodontist can help you decide the best way to go for you.
5. Protect Them from Grinding
If you clench or grind your teeth, it may help to wear a mouthguard, particularly at nighttime. Grinding may blunt the sharp tops of your eye teeth, which can cause sensitivity or cracks.
Healthy Eye Teeth, Happy Smile
Eye teeth may be small, but they play a big role in your dental health, from chewing to helping guide your jaw alignment. They beautify your smile, keep your teeth stable and allow you to eat without any hindrance. But, as with every tooth, they require appropriate upkeep in order to work properly and look good.
Maintaining healthy eye teeth requires keeping up with regular brushing and routine trips to a dentist, and also seeking treatment in cases of common issues like misalignment. If you have any issues, don’t delay — make an appointment with your dentist. Healthy teeth give you a confident, beautiful smile.
