You get two sets of teeth in your life. As a child, you have 20 baby teeth. These fall out, and the 32 adult teeth take over. However, some people can have extra teeth growing in gums, this is called Hyperdontia. It doesn’t need treatment. However, extra teeth can affect your oral functionality.
Hyperdontia
It is the medical term for having extra teeth, called supernumerary teeth. People with hyperdontia might have:
- One or several extra teeth.
- Extra teeth on one or both sides of their mouth.
- Extra teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both (it’s more common in the upper jaw).
- Extra teeth that appear alone or in groups.
- Extra teeth that are visible (erupted) or hidden (impacted).
Hyperdontia can affect both baby and adult teeth, so anyone can have it. Normally, children have 20 baby teeth, and adults have 32 permanent teeth. Children with more than 20 teeth and adults with more than 32 teeth have hyperdontia.
Location of These Extra Teeth Growing in Gums in the Mouth
Extra teeth can form anywhere in your mouth. Dentists classify them based on the following locations:
- Mesiodens: Extra teeth that grow behind your two front teeth. These are the most common type.
- Paramolars: Extra teeth that grow next to your molars.
- Distomolars: Extra teeth that grow in line with your molars.
Causes of Hyperdontia
Experts don’t know the exact cause of hyperdontia. However, you can have multiple extra teeth if you have a disorder like:
- Gardner Syndrome: This is an inherited disorder that increases the likelihood of developing tumors. People with Gardner syndrome have a high risk of getting colorectal cancer at a young age.
- Fabry Disease: This rare condition means your body can’t make an enzyme needed to break down fatty substances. It causes severe burning pain in your hands and feet, rashes, stomach pain, and an inability to sweat.
- Cleidocranial dysostosis: This very rare condition runs in families and causes deformities in your bones. Your skull and collarbone are prone to it.
Complications from Having Extra Teeth Growing in Gums
In some cases, hyperdontia doesn’t cause any problems. However, depending on where the extra teeth are, you might develop:
- Tooth impaction (when a tooth gets stuck in your jawbone).
- Chewing problems.
- Overcrowding.
- Crooked teeth.
- Malocclusion (a “bad bite”).
- Tooth decay (cavities).
- Gum disease.
- Oral cysts (noncancerous).
Treatment for Hyperdontia
The treatment for extra teeth depends on their type, position, and effects on nearby teeth. Some cases of hyperdontia don’t need treatment, and your dentist will just monitor them and take X-rays when necessary. Your dentist can suggest removing extra teeth if they:
- Prevent a nearby tooth from coming in or moving out of place.
- Interfere with other dental treatments, like braces.
- Cause issues like cysts or damage to the roots of nearby teeth.
- Suddenly, it appears (spontaneous eruption).
- Block a bone graft or implant placement.
- Make it hard to floss or brush properly, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Affect your appearance in a way that makes you unhappy.
Bottom Line
The thought of extra teeth growing in gums can be scary. However, for some people, it’s a reality. Many people prefer living with Hyperdontia until it starts causing dental issues.
Visit our seasoned dental professionals at Noble Smile Family Dentistry. Our practice provides family-focused dental care to keep your smile healthy. Call us at (281) 394-2929 for an appointment.
