Oftentimes, when a child’s permanent teeth begin to come in, parents notice something about them that alarms them. On the top of the teeth, on the incisal edges, they notice small bumps, the so-called mamelons. This article will provide the answer to the question, “what are tooth mamelons?” and will also delve into whether or not a parent should fret over them. Read on to find out what a tooth mamelon is, how it forms, and how to get rid of one with mamelon dental treatments.
What Are Tooth Mamelons?
Mamelons on teeth are extremely normal bumps and ridges that form along the edges of childrens’ teeth. They help push the new, permanent teeth through the gums. While they vary from person to person, tooth mamelons make the teeth appear rough and misaligned. Mamelons on teeth typically appear on the upper and lower, permanent, lateral and central incisors.
How Do Tooth Mamelons Form?
The process through which a tooth mamelon is formed is easy to understand:
- As the tooth begins its formation underneath the gum tissue, three types of cell groups with ameloblasts and odontoblasts begin to form along the incisal edge of the teeth.
- While the teeth are developing their layers of dentin and enamel, they move forward, toward the apex of the tooth, which successfully creates the tooth.
- Whenever these cells come together as a group, they form the three lobes of enamel.
- We are able to see these lobes on the edge of the teeth as they erupt through the gum and into the mouth.
Should Tooth Mamelons Be a Concern?
Of course, every parent wants their children’s teeth to be in the healthiest, best possible condition. When they first notice that their little one’s teeth appear uneven and rough around the edges, it can be very alarming. However, this is a completely natural thing that happens to newly-formed teeth.
As we grow into adults, the edges gradually wear down to what are normal tooth edges. Just remember–there is absolutely nothing to worry about, and these mamelons will go away in time.
Should Tooth Mamelons Be Removed?
Not necessarily. During orthodontic treatments, the orthodontist might remove the mamelons, but this is not necessary. The only true reason to have these naturally-occurring and completely safe mamelons removed is for the purposes of aesthetics and alignment.
Even though orthodontists know that the mamelons will wear off eventually, they fear that this will happen when the patient is no longer under their care. If the mamelons wear off in an asymmetrical way, the incisal edges of the tooth may cause the teeth to look uneven. This is why some orthodontist prefer to remove the mamelons, even though it is not necessary.
In cases of occlusion discrepancies, when a child’s bite cannot grind the mamelons, these can be removed by the orthodontist. Delayed tooth eruption could also motivate the orthodontist to remove tooth mamelons.
How Are Tooth Mamelons Removed? How to Get Rid of Mamelons?
Getting tooth mamelons removed is a simple and painless process. There is not even a need for a local anesthetic. Two things to know about how to get rid of mamelons:
- The mamelons are removed by being ground off slowly. The vibrations from the device might make your nose itch and tickle.
- Some patients have lower incisors that are too sensitive for all mamelons to be removed at once. Removal must then be completed over several appointments.
Note that such removal will not increase the chances of getting a cavity, which some people do worry about.
How Can You Fix Your Tooth Mamelons?
Generally, dentists won’t take a course of action or any treatment to fix mamelons on the teeth in a child’s early life. If mamelons do not wear down on a child because of alignment issues or bite problems, then that child may need orthodontic treatment.
If you’re an adult and still have mamelons, you can get a simple cosmetic procedure to smooth them out and help reduce their appearance. This is affordable and pain-free. It is quick, safe, and easy.
Removing or filing down tooth mamelons is a straightforward procedure with no risks. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, then this procedure may be the right choice for you.
If you’re apprehensive about the appearance of your child’s teeth, it is highly likely that their mamelons will wear down over time. If they don’t, they can be fixed when your child is an adult. They can usually be fixed with a cosmetic procedure. Simply talk to a dental professional about your options.
Conclusion
Tooth mamelons are extremely normal bumps and ridges found in children’s teeth. They actually help push the new, permanent teeth through the gums. Once the teeth have erupted, the mamelons begin to wear off. While it is not necessary, many people choose to file down their mamelons because they beautiful teeth. The process is painless, should one want to go through it. Do you still have mamelons on your teeth? If you have gotten them filed down, what was your experience like? Leave us a note in the comments section.
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