In all areas of health there are some health issues and problems that are rare and typically unusual, dentistry is no different.
Having a rare or unusual dental condition does not mean that it cannot be fixed or treated, but simply that it is better addressed when caught early on. Make sure to have your child screened for any oral health abnormalities, because these abnormalities could include:
Anodontia
This is an extremely rare genetic condition that causes the patient to be missing all of their teeth. The condition simply never allows the teeth to grow in. After a person loses their primary teeth, known as their baby teeth, their permanent teeth never grow in.
Other related genetic disorders include hypodontia, which is when between one and six teeth simply do not grow in and oligodontia, which is the absence of more than six teeth if not all.
In order to keep your child healthy and happy, dentures, implants, and other jaw and facial structural needs must be met so that they can eat, talk, and function normally.
Talon Cusps
Sometimes a claw-like growth can develop on the back of one of your child’s teeth. This usually happens to teeth at the front of the mouth and can cause problems with your child’s bite, crowding of the other teeth, gum and cheek irritation, and a build up of plaque.
These teeth usually don’t have pulp in them so your dentist can file it down. If the tooth does have pulp that a root canal may also be needed.
Early trips to the dentist can help to diagnose any unusual oral issues.
You will want to know what is going on in your mouth if you have one of these conditions.