On the basis of techniques involving isotopic analysis and X-ray imaging, researchers have come to know more about teeth of Saber-tooth tigers. The journal PLOS One-published study has found that the growth rate of their teeth was 6mm a month.

The tiger, Smilodon fatalis, became extinct around 10,000 years ago. The researchers have said that the tiger's teeth used to take much longer to emerge completely. They used to emerge once the tiger became three years old.

Smilodon fatalis was around the size of a modern tiger and lived in North and South America. It was known for its canines that used to grow around 7 inches long. Study's co-author Z. Jack Tseng said, "For predators such as big cats, an important determinant of an individual's full hunting ability is the time required to grow their weapons--their teeth. This is especially crucial for understanding sabertoothed predators such as Smilodon".

In the study, the researchers used the tiger specimens that were found from the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. It has been found that the saber-toothed tigers used their claws to hunt and force of their body to get hold on their prey.

As stated above, Saber-toothed tigers' teeth developed later. Therefore, the cubs used to spend most of their time in dens only. The techniques used in the study could prove beneficial to know more information on other extinct species as well.