Canine guided occlusion is a protective dental relationship where the upper and lower canine teeth are the only teeth that remain in contact during lateral (side-to-side) jaw movements. This immediate separation, or disclusion, of all posterior teeth prevents them from enduring harmful horizontal forces, which they are not well-suited to handle. The canines are ideal for this function due to their long roots, strategic position, and ability to reflexively reduce jaw muscle contraction.