I have heard that a high childhood fever can damage my child’s future permanent teeth.  Is this true?

Unfortunately, it is true.  It doesn’t happen too frequently, but when it does, it can have many possible effects.  The fever has to be pretty high and for a pretty descent length of time.  This fever was likely when the child was younger than age ten, and usually affects the permanent teeth that are in the same sequence of development.  When the adult teeth come in, you will likely see the same marking across all of those particular teeth that were developing during the time of the fever.

Markings may appear anywhere from faint lines and ridges, to an almost unrecognizable tooth.  The latter is less common and when it does happen,  is not usually the entire tooth but the area undergoing the most development at the time.  Unfortunately, the enamel strength may have also been effected, causing the teeth in question to be slightly more susceptible to decay in the future.  It may also cause damage to only one tooth.  It really isn’t that common but does happen and I have seen it several times.  If you have any concerns, be sure to ask your dentist.  Usually your dentist will notice it during an exam and ask if you recall an illness where the child had a high fever.

Treatment will depend on the severity and location of the defect.  There may not be any treatment needed at all.  Most often no treatment is needed and when does, typically requires only a filling to mask any unsightly or unappealing marks which may cosmetically bother the patient.

Tags: Adult Teeth, Child Fever, Dentist, Enamel, High Fever, Length Of Time, Permanent Teeth, Several Times, Severity, Tooth Damage