EN
Boar tusks are hypsodont teeth which undergo permanent wear on the incisal portion and growth at their basal part. They serve not only as a defense, but also as a tool for rooting and obtaining food. The paper presents lesions in boar tusks characterized by bilateral ledge formation on mandubular and maxilar canines that demarcated incisal from basal tooth portions. The lesions are probably the consequence of ameloblasts and odontoblasts alteration in the proliferative area with transient functional inhibition. Renewed cell activity leads to the rebuilding of the basal tooth part. This phenomenon can become noticeable as a circular ledge. In some cases pulpitis can result as a complication of the process, but it is not an integral part of the lesions. The bilateral character of the changes suggests a hematogenic means of pathogen action. However, its etiology still remains unclear. Ameloblasts are very sensitive to vitamin A, calcium and copper deficiency, as well as to the toxic influence of fluoride. One of the important pathogen agents seems to be mycotoxins, which are often taken in by boars with molded food.