Tiger teeth, also known as canine teeth, are the upper jaw cuspids that grow out in a labial malposition. When a child is around 12 or 13 years old, these teeth protrude outward and resemble the teeth at the corners of a tiger's mouth, hence the name "tiger teeth." The robust tooth structure, deep roots, and sharp knife-like appearance of tiger teeth give them a unique role in tearing food. The causes for their formation are as follows:
1. Due to the retention of primary molars which were not timely removed, the eruption of permanent canines may be obstructed, causing the canines to erupt in a labial malposition, forming tiger teeth.
2. Due to early loss of primary molars from caries or other reasons, permanent molars shift forward, occupying the space intended for premolars, resulting in malpositioned canines forming tiger teeth.
3. Due to the earlier eruption time of upper premolars compared to canines, when premolars erupt, they occupy the position meant for canines, forcing the later-erupting canines to be pushed outside the dental arch, forming tiger teeth.
4. Due to insufficient development of the maxilla, there is inadequate space for proper tooth alignment, causing the malpositioned eruption of canines, leading to tiger teeth or porcelain teeth.
Tiger teeth have strong disease resistance, are less prone to decay, and are the "longevity stars" among teeth. Once we lack tiger teeth, the corners of our mouth and nostrils appear droopy, facial expressions become stiff, giving an impression of premature aging and flatness. Therefore, even if tiger teeth form, they should never be extracted, according to the Department of Stomatology at Suzhou Dongwu Hospital.