4 Unusual Tooth Disorders You Probably Don’t Know About

Everyone knows that brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily are crucial to prevent dental problems like cavities, decay, and gum disease. However, some oral health conditions are simply out of your control, no matter how well you take care of your pearly whites. In fact, certain issues can only be detected and treated by a dental professional. Read on to learn about four rare oral health problems that you probably don’t know about.

Anodontia

Anodontia is a rare genetic disorder in which some or all teeth never develop. Although it’s mostly common with adult teeth, it can still affect baby teeth. Most people with this disorder have partial anodontia, meaning one or more teeth are missing while others have formed. However, there are rare cases where patients have complete anodontia, which is when none of their adult teeth form.

Unfortunately, this genetic disorder cannot be reversed or cured. If you or your child are diagnosed with anodontia, your dentist might suggest implants or dentures. Seeking treatment as early as possible is crucial for your little one’s oral health, jaw, facial structure, and ability to eat, speak, and breathe.

Talon Cusps

Talon cusps is an extremely rare condition that only affects about 0.04 to 8 percent of the population. It’s characterized as a conical-like growth that develops at the back of a tooth. It can cause several oral health issues, including malocclusion (bad bite), crowding of the mouth, gum irritation, plaque accumulation, and more. Since the cusp itself may or may not contain tooth pulp, dentists have to treat it carefully. If they don’t contain pulp, your dentist will grind the cusps down – but if they do, your dentist might recommend a root canal treatment. 

Tooth Gemination

Tooth gemination is when two teeth develop from a single bud, causing an extra-large or disfigured tooth with two chambers of tooth pulp and only one root. This condition can lead to a misaligned bite, tooth decay in the area where the chambers join, and overcrowding in the mouth. Depending on your case, your dentist might recommend sealants, fillings, shaping, or crowns.

Hyperdontia

As opposed to anodontia, hyperdontia is a condition that refers to having too many teeth. Most cases only involve one to two additional teeth erupting. But since they develop in the gum, they can delay the eruption of other teeth and cause overcrowding and crooked eruption. In most instances, the best course of action is to wait and see if any complications arise. However, some dentists might suggest extraction or orthodontic treatment based on your unique case.

Although these rare oral health problems can’t be predicted, they can be treated promptly to maintain a happy and healthy smile!

About the Practice

At West Hartford Dental Group, we offer exceptional, state-of-the-art, compassionate dental care that is bound to leave you coming back for more. Our team is passionate about educating patients to help them make confident and informed decisions about their oral health. If you have any questions about the rare oral health problems discussed above, we’re more than happy to answer them for you. Visit our website or call (860) 236-4249 to schedule an appointment.