Most walruses have 18 teeth. A walrus' upper canine teeth are modified into long ivory tusks. Both males and females have tusks. The tusks of males tend to be longer, straighter, and stouter than those of females. Tusks erupt during a calf's first summer or fall.
Abrasion wears enamel from the crown.
The primary functions of the tusks are establishing social dominance and hauling out onto ice or rocky shores. Tusks grow for about 15 years, although they may continue to grow in males. Eyes are small and located high and toward the sides of the head. Ears, located just behind the eyes, are small inconspicuous openings with no external ear flaps. Paired nostrils are located on the snout above the vibrissae.