My child has deep ridges and/or grooves in the front teeth. Is that normal?

Good news! This is very normal and usually goes away as we age. Generally (except in rare cases), these little ridges and grooves are remnants of the developmental areas of the teeth. Our teeth develop in a very specific pattern and first appear as “lobes” and “grooves.” They then proceed to take on the shape of a tooth, with the remainder of the lobes and grooves left on the final tooth surface and edges. The dental term for this characteristic at the edge of the front tooth is a “mammelon”. They are indeed normal, though not all that attractive and sometimes a little sharp. They are considered a sign of “youth” and may still be seen on some adults.

They are more pronounced on some people and non-existent in others. As we age and therefore increase our chewing and overall wear on our teeth, they tend to be worn away. Occasionally, if the tooth is not in contact with an opposing tooth, then it will stay around for a while. It isn’t a concern unless it becomes a cosmetic issue for your child. Discuss treatment options with your dentist if it becomes a big concern. Of course, like anything else, there could be other reasons for the groove or bump, so always seek the advice of your dentist if unsure.

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