The word "corner tooth" is spelled with a /k/ sound at the beginning, as in the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈkɔːnə ˌtuːθ/. This is because the letter "c" before an "o" followed by an "r" produces a hard /k/ sound. The vowel sound in "corner" is represented by the phonetic transcription /ˈkɔːnər/ with a long "o" and schwa sound at the end. The word "tooth" is spelled with a silent "h" and the "oo" sound represented by the phonetic transcription /tuːθ/.
A corner tooth refers to any one of the teeth located at the outermost edges of the human dentition. These specific teeth are positioned either at the left or right corners of the mouth when the jaws are closed, serving as the outermost boundaries of the row of teeth. Also known as the canines or cuspids, corner teeth are characterized by their pointed shape and are situated between the incisors and premolars.
These teeth are vital for biting, tearing, and gripping food, as well as performing essential roles in the speech articulation process. Due to their prominent location, corner teeth are often the first to make contact with food when an individual bites into something, aiding in the initial tearing and breaking of food items. Additionally, they assist in guiding the proper alignment of the upper and lower jaws when closing the mouth together, ensuring effective occlusion, or the proper fitting together of the teeth.
Corner teeth are typically more elongated and sturdy compared to the neighboring incisors, allowing for increased resiliency when exerting pressure during chewing or biting activities. Visually, they are often the most noticeable teeth in the human dentition due to their slightly sharper appearance. With their specific shape and positioning, corner teeth play a crucial role in the overall functionality, aesthetics, and oral health of an individual's dentition.