7 Strange-Looking Oral Conditions in Children That Are Actually Healthy Signs

Parenthood—Worry Central

In parenthood, there are roughly 50,081 things to worry about, and sometimes that number seems to rise by the minute.

Are they eating enough?

Do I need to worry about them waking up at 5 a.m. every single morning? Also, does that ever stop?

They fell off the couch. Should I be concerned?

You get the idea. These kids have a way of making life interesting, and not always in a stress-free way. You stare at them a little too long, and you will more than likely find something that makes you consider running to Dr. Google. We get it—it’s a parent thing.

7 oral conditions that look strange, but are perfectly normal.

When it comes to their ever-growing mouths, there are some things that might pop up there as well. Some teeth might not look even; others might look pointy enough that you wonder about vampires. Regardless of what you may notice, you’re far from alone. Some things you notice in your kiddo’s mouth might look odd, but they’re often part of normal development.

Here are seven common oral conditions that might make any parent’s brain consider panic, but are usually nothing to worry about.

1. Shark Teeth

It’s common. You’re brushing your kiddo’s mouth of baby teeth and notice some pointy teeth coming in a little too early. Those parental worries begin almost instantly. Do you need to call the dentist? Is it guaranteed they’ll need early orthodontic care?

Breathe!

You don’t always have to worry about these early arrivals, also known as shark teeth. They usually happen because the root of the baby tooth doesn’t dissolve before the adult tooth comes in. Usually, the stubborn baby teeth fall out on their own, and everything is fine! Occasionally, they hold on for dear life, and your loving dental team at Must Love Kids has to intervene.

2. Eruption Cysts

The dental worries start even for the tiniest kiddos, those without a full set of teeth. When a little one is teething, you might notice bluish, fluid-filled bumps that appear over the incoming teeth. These might make you go into instant panic, but we’re here to let you know that it’s completely harmless. They will go away as the new tooth comes in and shouldn’t bother your kiddo.

The only time you need to be concerned is if these bumps show signs of infection, but more often than not, they go away on their own.

3. Tongue Tie (Mild)

If you notice your child has a tongue tie, your heart might start racing. Will you need to get it clipped? Will they be okay? Again, this is a common thing that might not need repair! The general rule is, if it’s not causing any issues, leave it alone. A tongue tie can create issues with a child’s speech or their ability to breastfeed, but sometimes a child can have a mild tongue tie and have no issues at all!

4.White Spots on Teeth

White spots on the teeth are another common thing a parent might notice while brushing their little teeth. The sudden appearance of a stark-white spot can feel a little concerning, but it doesn’t mean there’s a cavity hiding beneath the surface. Yes, the white spots are signs of demineralization, but they can be due to many things. There could’ve been some form of trauma to the tooth that put the enamel at risk, or perhaps they’ve been slacking on their regular oral hygiene.

Whatever the reason, these white spots are just signs that it’s time to pay a little more attention to how they care for their teeth so that a cavity doesn’t form. 

5. Spacing Between Teeth

When you look at your little one’s smile, you might notice there is a lot of space between the teeth. This is a common cause of concern for parents, but it’s actually a good thing! These spaces actually ensure there is enough room for the permanent teeth when they come in!

6. Bumpy New Adult Teeth

When those adult teeth come in, you might notice they seem rather bumpy, not smooth as your own teeth are. These are natural ridges called mamelons, and they will wear down over time. Nothing to worry about!

7. Extra Frenulum

If you notice your child has an extra band of tissue between their top lip and their teeth, it might cause you to worry. This is an incredibly common thing known as a lip tie. It’s usually noticed in babies, as it can create issues with breastfeeding. Thankfully, it rarely causes issues. Similar to the tongue tie, if it isn’t a problem, you don’t have to worry about it!

Constantly Changing Smile

A child’s mouth goes through so many changes as they grow. It changes from that gummy smile to a toothy grin, and then one with missing teeth all around, then finally their adult teeth take residence. Because of these constant changes, it’s common to notice things that don’t seem quite right.

Know that you are never alone when it comes to your child’s oral health. Must Love Kids is always here to help if you have any questions or concerns! If your little one is ready to see a dentist, which we recommend they do when their first tooth appears, or they turn one, our team is ready to be their partner in oral health. Schedule an appointment with Must Love Kids, and we’ll keep your kid’s smile shining.