Hypodontia is a condition in which a person has missing teeth because these failed to develop at the right time. Also known as tooth agenesis, it includes people who are missing up to five permanent teeth. Third molars are not counted, so only individuals missing other permanent teeth are considered to have hypodontia. If someone is missing six or more permanent teeth, the condition is called oligodontia.
Hypodontia Is Common
One of the most common dental development anomalies in humans, hypodontia comes in a couple of different forms. Syndromic hypodontia is caused by a systemic syndrome or condition, and isolated hypodontia is not related to any syndrome. Diagnosing the condition requires x-rays. Examinations of six-year-olds can determine if they have hypodontia, which may be diagnosed due to delayed teeth eruptions, persistence of primary teeth, and alveolar bone hypotrophy.
Why People Get Hypodontia
The condition can be genetic, so one may be missing teeth if there are anomalies in the genes involved in teeth development. In fact, genetics is the most common cause. Other causes include trauma, infection, chemotherapeutic agents, and radiation therapy. Pregnant women on thalidomide have delivered babies with hypodontia as well.
In the case of missing isolated teeth, the cause isn’t always known. The thinking is this can be related to genetic factors or something in the environment. Reports have also associated the condition with increased maternal age, so older mothers may have a higher risk of delivering babies with hypodontia. It’s also associated with Down syndrome and a condition known as ectodermal dysplasia. Other factors include an embryo being infected with the rubella virus, low birth weight, or if a mother has had multiple births.
Treatments for Hypodontia
Several treatments are available, which include the use of prosthetics such as fixed or removable partial dentures, and over dentures. Retainers, braces, and other fixed appliances are used as part of orthodontic treatment for the condition. Long term management is often the strategy. Dental professionals also recommend good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, but hypodontia treatments are highly recommended to address aesthetics and the potential for psychological impacts in people with it.
A similar condition is hyperdontia, which means there are more teeth in a person’s mouth than there should be. For cases where there is a reduced number of teeth, you may hear terms such as agnesis of teeth, congenital missing teeth, aplasia of teeth, and others that might not seem familiar. Your dentist will explain what it means if you have hypodontia or another related condition.
