13 Remaining incisors worn almost to gum line, some missing, and roots covered by gums. Prominences almost flat, posterior cusps of PM 4 and M 1 near gum line. Among the 3 prominences on upper incisors, the central 1 projects well beyond those on each side. Incisors do not correspond to an opposing tooth, except for the first lower incisor that is opposed by the wider first upper incisor. Each of the 2 lateral lower incisors occludes with 2 upper incisors.
Incisors wear at a relatively consistent rate throughout life.
Canines are large spike-like teeth that curve slightly to the posterior, and when normally alined, the lower canine fits into a gap between the upper canine and the third upper incisor. Because canines do not oppose each other when the mouth is closed, there is little wear from occlusion. Wear is visible on the pointed prominences of carnassials by 5 years of age, but the profile has not yet been distorted. Wear is due to chewing bone and other hard objects, and occlusion of lower molar 1 with upper premolar 4 and upper molar 1. Wear on the carnassials is easy to observe in immobilized wolves by pulling back the lips along the sides of the mouth.