Why 3.8% of People Have Extra Teeth?
Have you ever heard about someone having two sets of wisdom teeth? Extra teeth are actually a thing, and they can be anywhere in your mouth.
Understanding Supernumerary Teeth
The typical adult has 32 permanent teeth, and kids typically have 20 primary teeth. However, sometimes nature goes haywire, and we can wind up with way more teeth than the norm.
When Do People Discover Extra Teeth?
Most people figure out they have extra teeth sometime during their pre-teen or teen years when orthodontists are taking x-rays to evaluate their bite or a dentist is using the same images to evaluate wisdom tooth development. However, if you didn’t have braces nor your wisdom teeth evaluated, it is possible to go your whole life without even knowing you have extra teeth. This is because supernumerary teeth don’t always erupt like your other teeth do. Some do, but most of them stay tucked inside your jaw and are only visible on a dental x-ray.
Is It Bad to Have Extra Teeth?
Not necessarily. Sometimes it can be bad if it causes a major aesthetic issue and/or makes it difficult for you to properly speak or eat. However, more often than not, it’s just an aesthetic cosmetic issue.
Causes of Extra Teeth
In dentistry, we typically tend to see extra teeth run in families. If one of your parents had supernumerary teeth, then you also have a higher chance of having them too. However, while genetics do play a factor, extra teeth may pop up unexpectedly for no reason or be due to some type of developmental condition or genetic abnormality. Some of these include:
- Gartner syndrome: A genetic condition
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A connective tissue genetic disorder
- Fabric disease: A genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down a certain type of fat
- Cleft palate and lip: Tissues of the upper lip and the roof of the mouth don’t grow together and fuse properly during fetal development
- Vital cranial dysplasia or CCD: A rare genetic disorder affecting the development of the bones and teeth
Treatment Options
If you have extra teeth, the treatment options depend on the extent of your hypodontia and where the extra teeth are located. In some cases, you may not need to do anything at all. For example, if you have tiny extra molars right behind your wisdom teeth and you don’t need your wisdom teeth removed, oftentimes the extra ones can stay where they’re at. However, sometimes all the extra teeth need to be removed, especially if you already need your wisdom teeth removed.
Potential Oral Health Issues
While some people will not experience any symptoms with supernumerary teeth, others may encounter a range of oral health issues. One of the most common problems is overcrowding, which can lead to misaligned or crooked teeth. The common treatment for this is usually extractions and orthodontic braces.
Conclusion
Having extra teeth, also known as supernumerary teeth, is more common than you may think. While it can sometimes pose aesthetic or functional challenges, it is not necessarily a cause for major concern. If you suspect you have extra teeth, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the appropriate treatment if necessary.
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