As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
High Time for Eye Teeth: Why Canine Teeth Haven't Erupted Yet
Mabel Hicks
Your canine teeth, also known as eye teeth due to their position directly under the eyes, are an important part of your dental arches. Not only do they benefit your smile aesthetically, but canine teeth are also responsible for cutting and piercing your food as you chew. Under normal circumstances, lower primary canines should erupt first between the ages of 9-10 followed by the upper canines between the ages of 11-12.
However, in around 2 per cent of the population, with more females being affected than males, canine teeth can become impacted, meaning they are blocked from erupting.
But why does it happen? Here is some information to help you understand why your canine teeth are not coming through as they should.
Your Dental Arches May be Too Small
There may not be enough room for your canine teeth to erupt due to a lack of space in your dental arches. When there isn't enough space, your canines become blocked (impacted) and thus may either erupt in a palatal position, in other words facing the palate, or a vestibular position on the side facing your cheeks and lips. In both cases, your bite will suffer as canine teeth are designed by nature to be the first teeth that meet when you chew or smile. Well-positioned canines help keep your bite balanced, giving you an attractive smile and helping you to chew your food comfortably.
The Baby Canine Root has Yet to Resorb
Sometimes the primary (baby) canines persist, preventing the secondary (adult) canine tooth from erupting. Generally, primary canine teeth should fall out by the age of 12, though occasionally the root of these baby canines remains in place instead of being resorbed by the body. When this happens, your canine teeth will either erupt in a less favourable position or not erupt at all.
It May Run in the Family
The prevalence of impacted canine teeth can also run in families. If your older relatives also suffered from impacted canines then there is a good chance that this condition may run in the family.
If your canine teeth have yet to come through, or you are worried about your child's delayed canine eruption, you should book an orthodontic evaluation as soon as possible. This will allow your dentist to examine the area to determine if there is enough room for the canines to come through or not. The position of the canine teeth will also need to be determined before any further steps can be taken. However, the most likely treatment option for canines with enough room to move into is orthodontic braces.
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