Taking the right steps at an early stage is the best way to prevent any problem. This is why parents must have their child screened by a dentist at the age of seven because it is the best time to diagnose any underlying teeth problems so that they can be addressed in time. Your child could be suffering from a dental problem or may show signs of a future dental problem but if you are unaware of the symptoms, the problem may go undiagnosed until it becomes major. Here are 5 very unusual dental conditions which every parent must be aware of:

1. Dental Agenesis

The term denotes the absence of one or more teeth and the condition is typically caused due to a developmental failure. Despite being one of the most common dental anomalies the pathogenic mechanisms and genetic background of this condition are still poorly understood. It typically affects bay teeth after a child loses his/her primary teeth. Since there is little that can be done in this case, dental implants can give your child a confident smile and self-esteem in particular.

2. Germinated Teeth

Tooth germination typically occurs when two teeth sprout from a single bud and the condition is akin to tooth fusion. When several chambers of tooth pulp are shooting out from a single root, it gives rise to problems like tooth decay and bad bite due to overcrowding. If the tooth is wide and prevents adjacent teeth from erupting normally, an extraction becomes necessary.

3. Hypodontia

This is an extremely rare condition wherein the patient has all of his/her teeth missing. The missing teeth simply never grow due to a genetic abnormality that only affects permanent teeth. A child suffering from hypodontia will never develop any teeth after losing the primary set of teeth. However, dentists also come across cases where the child has more than six teeth missing but not all. Little can be done in case of hypodontia which is why implants and dentures are the only solution parents have to ensure that their child’s ability to speak, eat and socialize is not affected adversely.

4. Supernumerary Teeth

Medically known as Hyperdontia, this condition is characterized as having too many teeth, however, most cases involve just one extra tooth. Since supernumerary teeth develop in the gum, they often go unnoticed until you notice a crooked eruption. Generally dentists recommend an extraction in case of overcrowding but orthodontia may also be a viable option.

5. Talon Cusps

The most distinct feature of this dental condition is a claw-like growth behind the teeth. Talon cusps usually emerge in the front of the mouth or behind the canines or incisors. This condition can cause problems such as malocclusion, bad bite, plaque, irritation of the gums and overcrowding. If the cusp contains pulp, a root canal treatment becomes necessary and if it does not contain pulp, the dentist may simply grind it down.

If your child is showing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is best to have your child examined professionally and even if there are no evident symptoms, a dental checkup is important. It helps in identifying potential dental problems that could invite an orthodontic procedure. Also, an early diagnosis can help your child cope with dental problems better and enable your dentist to ensure the best possible outcome. This is why every parent should have their child examined for unfamiliar dental problems that could invite expensive procedures at a later stage.

Most over the counter medicines have side effects including oral side effects. So, the next time you pop a pill be sure to check that it is not causing any harm to your oral health. Medications surely make you feel much better but all of them whether taken orally or injected, have the risk of side effects and oral problems. You would be surprised to know that medicines used for treating the symptoms of common cold, pain, high blood pressure, allergies, depression, and even cancer are known to negatively impact your oral health. This is why you should discuss your prescriptions with your dentist and not just your doctor. This will help you learn more about medications that can cause oral side effects and know how you can limit them.

Know Your Risk and Reduce It  

The most common side effects of OTC medicines on your dental health include:

1. Dry Mouth

Medically known as Xerostomia, dry mouth is usually caused by certain chemotherapy medicines, antidepressants, narcotic pain medications, anti-spasm medications and antihistamines. More than 400 medications are known to cause an uncomfortably dry mouth by drastically reducing the amount of saliva. This dryness causes irritation and inflammation of soft tissues and increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Gum Swelling

Also referred to as Gingival Overgrowth, this condition is typically associated with anti-seizure medications, blood pressure medications prescribed to heart patients and immunosuppressant drugs that are prescribed to patients when undergoing an organ transplant procedure. When gum tissues become so swollen that they start growing over the teeth, they create a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive and this can severely damage your surrounding tooth structures. The best way to prevent this medical condition is to maintain meticulous dental hygiene prior to starting the medication.

3. Tooth Decay

Prolonged use of sweetened medications including vitamins, syrups, cough drops and antacids can cause tooth decay. To prevent tooth decay you can either ask your doctor to prescribe sugar-free alternatives or immediately rinse your mouth after taking these medicines.

4. Discolored Teeth

Tetracycline drugs are known to cause tooth discoloration if taken when the teeth are still developing. Today tetracycline and related antibiotics are not prescribed to children below the age of 8 and also to expectant mothers to prevent permanent staining of teeth. However, tooth discoloration can be effectively treated using cosmetic dentistry techniques like bleaching, dental veneers, and bonding procedures.

5. Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are usually caused by inhaler medicines that are prescribed to asthma patients. These inhalers often trigger a yeast infection which is medically known as oral candidiasis. Rinse your mouth every time after using an inhaler to prevent this side effect.

6. Mouth Sores

Ulcers often occur inside the mouth and most over the counter medicines are known to cause mouth sores including aspirin, penicillin, streptomycin, phenytoin and sulphonamides. Chemotherapy drugs can also cause canker sores on the tongue and in the moist tissues that line your mouth.

7. Metallic Taste

Many medicines can interfere with your sense of taste and make your food taste metallic, bitter or salty. Such taste changes are common among people taking multiple medicines. Drugs known to cause taste changes include allergy medications, blood thinners, corticosteroids, asthma medicines, blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, smoking cessation products, thyroid medicines, muscle relaxers and chemotherapy drugs.

These are only a few of the many side effects caused by over the counter medicines so it is important that your dentist knows what medicines you are prescribed. This will ensure that you receive the best dental care and prevent the unpleasant effects of prescription drugs.

If you are combating any of the side effects of over the counter medicines, call us today at 623.925.8822 and know what you need to do to protect your teeth and gums.