Both the maxillary and mandibular canines are called the "cornerstone" of the mouth because they are all located three teeth away from the midline, and separate the premolars from the incisors.

The location of the canines reflects their dual function as they complement both the premolars and incisors during mastication, commonly known as chewing.

There is a single cusp on canines, and they resemble the prehensile teeth found in carnivorous animals such as the extinct saber-toothed cat.

In the universal system of notation, the deciduous maxillary canines are designated by a letter written in uppercase.

In the Palmer notation, a number is used in conjunction with a symbol designating in which quadrant the tooth is found.