Hypodontia is a condition which is defined as the loss of one or more teeth and can affect up to 7 percent of the population. (Al-Ani et al.)
The bright side, however, is that orthodontic procedures provide some amazing solutions! From the latest implant technology to gap-filling bridges for dental implants, there are a variety of hypodontia options.
Let’s now look into what is hypodontia, its types and causes and what are best treatment options are available
What is Hypodontia?
“Hypodontia” is the medical term used to describe being born with a few of your teeth. It’s a type of dental agenesis, which is an expression used by health professionals to refer to congenitally missing teeth. (“Congenitally” means that you were naturally affected.) In particular, a person suffering from hypodontia has between one and six of their teeth (not counting wisdom teeth).
Between 2 and 8 percent of the population suffers from hypodontia. Everyone could be born with it.
Hypodontia may occur throughout your mouth. However, the most common teeth missing in people suffering from the condition are:
- Upper lateral teeth are called incisors (the smaller teeth that are on the other side of your upper two teeth on the front).
- Lower Second premolars (the teeth ahead of your molars at the upper).
- The lower second premolars (the teeth ahead of your molars, on the lower side).
4 Types of Hypodontia
Hypodontia can be seen in varying levels, ranging from the absence of one tooth to the complete absence of development for all teeth:
- Congenitally missing teeth (CMT) are the most commonly used type of hypodontia; they refer to teeth that are missing at birth.
- Tooth Agenesis: The term “tooth agenesis” is a general term that refers to the absence of one or more of the teeth. This is a general term that covers all situations that cause teeth to not grow in the way they ought to.
- Oligodontia is defined as the absence of more than six teeth, with the exception of the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. It’s the most severe form of tooth loss.
- Anodontia: A person who doesn’t develop any teeth whatsoever.
Symptoms and Causes
Is Hypodontia A Congenital Disability?
Hypodontia is a birth defect. Children may inherit hypodontia from their parents.
In certain instances, infants and children can develop hypodontia when they are sick or infections, or even treatments (like radiation or chemotherapy) during their growth phase.
What Are The Signs Of Hypodontia?
The most frequent sign of hypodontia is that you are born without up to 6 teeth. The missing teeth may occur anywhere in your mouth, including the wisdom teeth. Hypodontia can cause problems with primary (baby) teeth as well as permanent (adult) teeth.
Hypodontia sufferers may have teeth that are peg-shaped or smaller than normal. There may be gaps and voids between their teeth.
Hypodontia is also an indication of genetic diseases. People with hypodontia might be affected by ectodermal dysplasias. Ectodermal dysplasia sufferers may suffer from:
- Nail anomalies
- Hair loss
- Poor hearing
- Poor vision
- The absence of sweat glands
What Are The Causes of Hypodontia?
The majority of people suffering from hypodontia suffer from an abnormality that affects the dental lamina, an area of tissue beneath the gums where teeth grow. Most of the time, family history is the main cause. However, other causes could cause hypodontia as well.
Hypodontia And Associated Disorders
Hypodontia can be a result of other treatments or conditions, such as:
- Cleft lips or Cleft palate.
- A low birth weight.
- Genetic disorders, like Down syndrome or ectodermal dysplasia.
- Infectious diseases such as those caused by candida as well as rubella.
- Chemotherapy.
- Therapy for radiation.
What Causes Hypodontia?
There are a variety of genes that are responsible for hypodontia. These include:
- WNT1OB.
- EDA.
- EDAR.
- EDARADD.
Based on the particular gene, inheritance may follow in various ways. Similar to most genetic disorders, they are diagnosed by healthcare professionals by studying the state of the status of two versions of the gene: one copy from the biological mother and one from each of their parents.
Hypodontia sufferers may be born with the condition in any of four ways:
Autosomal Recessive
Two copies of an abnormal gene from each biological parent are required for hypodontia to develop.
Autosomal Dominant
A single variant of a genome of either parent is required to allow hypodontia to develop.
X-Linked Dominant
There’s a dominant abnormal gene that is located on the X Chromosome. This means that someone born male (AMAB) who suffers from X-linked hypodontia can pass on the abnormal gene to all their daughters.
X-Linked Recessive
One to two recessive abnormal genes exist on the X Chromosomes. This implies that a person who is female in birth (AFAB) who is afflicted with an X-linked hypodontia
- 25 percent likelihood of having a daughter that has the abnormal gene.
- 25 percent possibility of having a child that isn’t carrying the gene.
- 25 percent likelihood of having a son with hypodontia.
- 25 percent likelihood of having sons that aren’t affected by hypodontia.
Diagnosis and Tests
What Is The Best Way To Diagnose Hypodontia?
If your doctor suspects that you may have hypodontia, Dental X-rays will prove the existence of the condition. In a dental exam, the dentist will search for signs of hypodontia. This includes smaller teeth, peg-shaped or crooked teeth, and spaces between teeth.
Management and Treatment
What Is The Treatment For Hypodontia?
Hypodontia treatments could comprise:
- Braces or other forms of orthodontics.
- Partially Dentures.
- Dental bridges.
- Dental implants.
Children suffering from hypodontia generally use partial teeth until they are old enough to undergo other procedures.
Is Hypodontia Preventable?
A large portion of cases of hypodontia are attributed to genetic diseases.
If it’s in your genes that certain teeth won’t show up, but you don’t have much choice, you can change it. It’s the same as trying to alter the natural color of your eyes with no contact. It’s all built-in!
It is possible to lower the risk of hypodontia from other influences like health conditions, environmental influences as well as trauma.
However, in the overall world of everything, in the event that you’ve got hypodontia present, it’s more about treating and managing it rather than stopping it completely.
Living with Hypodontia Tips to Maintain Dental Health
Hypodontia sufferers must not only take care of their condition but also maintain their general dental health. Regular dental appointments are necessary for assessing oral health, discussing any issues, and altering treatment as required.
As an example, people who suffer from dental hypodontia and require removable dentures during their childhood may require replacements on a regular basis since their facial structure grows.
Maintaining the hygiene of your mouth is vitally important. People suffering from hypodontia need to brush their gums at least twice every day with a gentle toothbrush or a moist washcloth to keep them free of infection.
Applying an antibacterial mouthwash two times every day will help to remove plaque from your tongue and eliminate the bacteria that can cause bad breath and infections.
While living with hypodontia can present problems, proper treatments and treatment can help people to live a happy and healthy lifestyle with a confident smile.
Wrapping Up
Hypodontia is a well-known but frequently misunderstood disease. It can be a problem for any person. It’s a journey that requires understanding the causes of the condition and treatments.
With numerous treatment options that range from orthodontic procedures to prosthetics and dental implants, patients with hypodontia can live a healthy life with an attractive smile.
By maintaining good oral health and regularly visiting a caring dentist dealing with hypodontia is much easier.
Hypodontia isn’t just about the loss of teeth; it’s about resilience that comes from smiling with confidence and the path toward healthier dental health.
FAQ
Is there a cure for hypodontia?
Braces or Invisalign can help treat mild hypodontia. For bigger gaps, more advanced treatments or surgeries may be necessary for proper restoration.
What is another word for hypodontia?
Tooth Agenesis
Hypodontia, which means missing teeth, is the most common craniofacial problem in people. It might occur by itself or be linked to a genetic condition.
Is hypodontia bad?
Hypodontia is not necessarily bad, but it can cause some challenges. Missing teeth may affect how you chew, speak, or even how your smile looks. In some cases, it can lead to jaw problems or misaligned teeth.
How rare is hypodontia?
This affects about 2% to 8% of people.
Hypodontia is a condition where some teeth don’t form from birth. A person with this condition may have one to six missing teeth, not including wisdom teeth
Can braces fix hypodontia?
Yes
Using braces or other orthodontic tools is a common way to treat hypodontia.
Why does hypodontia happen?
Both genes and the environment can cause hypodontia. Problems with MSX1 and PAX9 genes may disturb tooth development, while infections or exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy can also lead to it.
