We all encounter dental problems throughout our lifetime, like tooth decay, cavities, broken/chipped teeth, or tooth loss. These are some common dental issues that all of us know and can be treated and prevented. But there are undoubtedly uncommon and rare dental problems you may not know about. These oral health conditions are rare but can be treated by a dental professional. 

Are you interested in learning more about these dental problems? Here are a few rare oral health problems that everyone should know about.

Anodontia or Hypodontia

Anodontia is a rare genetic tooth disorder characterized by the loss of all or some of the teeth. Typically, it's diagnosed when a baby doesn’t develop teeth till 13 months or when a child hasn’t developed adult teeth by ten. This condition is more common in permanent teeth. This rare genetic condition is classified into three types:

• Andodontia: A state where none of the adult teeth form. 
• Oligodontia – Six or more teeth are absent
• Hypodontia – Absence of one to five teeth

Anodontia, oligodontia, and hypodontia are genetic disorders that cannot be reversed or cured. However, getting implants or dentures can help you get teeth and improve your child’s oral health, ability to speak, eat and breathe and support your facial structure or jaw. 

Talon Cusp

It is a dental health condition where a conical-like growth develops at the back of one of the anterior teeth. It can cause oral health problems such as:

• Malocclusion or a bad bite
• Overcrowding in the mouth, which hinders or complicates the growth of other teeth
• Irritated gums, cheek, and teeth
• Accumulation of plaque in the groove between the cusp and it’s host tooth

The treatment usually involves grinding the conical growth down, in case the tooth contains pulp, root canal treatment may also be recommended. Dentists must treat the talon cusp carefully as it may or may not have tooth pulp. Talon cusps can also develop in adults, so this is a condition you can watch for yourself.

Geminated Teeth

Tooth gemination is a dental anomaly that occurs by a single tooth germ causing two teeth to develop from a single bud. It results in an extra-large or disfigured tooth with two chambers of tooth pulp resulting in a bifid crown but having only one root. Germinated teeth can cause oral health problems like:

• Misaligned bite
• Tooth decay in the area where the two chambers are joined
• Overcrowding in the mouth

Treatment involves tooth extraction as the best course of action to avoid problems related to germinated teeth. In cases where the tooth isn't too wide, most dental professionals recommend leaving it alone to see if it sheds on its own. 

Supernumerary Teeth or Hyperdontia

Hyperdontia refers to having too many teeth. One can develop these extra teeth, mainly in the upper teeth area. The extra teeth that develop in the gum can delay the appearance of other teeth and cause overcrowding and crooked eruption. The treatment usually involves removing the extra teeth, but your dentist may recommend orthodontia as a compatible option.

Most of these oral health conditions can be treated by experienced and highly skilled dental professionals who are well-trained to handle your child’s oral health. While most of these conditions can’t be predicted, they can be treated promptly. Ensure your child’s oral health by making them brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste to prevent any tooth decay or cavities, and other preventable tooth problems.

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About the Author:

Suprithi Choudhary, M.Pharm (Pharmacology) Medical Content writer

Suprithi is a Pharma Professional working as a medical content writer and previously worked as a Research Scientist and Senior Research Analyst

Education

• C.M Academy
• Attended the Panjab University- Chandigarh, Pharma post-graduate in Pharmacology

Special thanks to Dr Deepak Kulkarni, a dental surgeon with over 23 years of experience who proofread this blog. He graduated from the H.K.E's Dental College, Gulbarga, and has certifications in ACHS International Accreditation Education Plan; Advanced Rotary Endodontic - Restorative Continuum; and Leadership, Team Building and Customer Service Leadership from the Oscar Murphy International.