Are Short Teeth Common
Every human is a different size, of course, so it makes sense that one person’s teeth aren’t the same size as someone else’s. Some people have teeth that are larger than average, and some people have teeth that are smaller; of course, this also means that some people’s teeth are average in size. The clinical term for small teeth is microdontia. It’s common to have microdontia in one or two teeth, though microdontia in all the teeth is relatively rare. In some people, microdontia describes the actual size of the teeth, while in others, the affected teeth only appear small because of the surrounding tissues. While microdontia can occur independent of other conditions or symptoms, it can also occur because of certain genetic conditions.
The least common kind of microdontia is called true generalized microdontia. This condition, which appears with a complete set of consistently small teeth, can affect people with pituitary conditions, like dwarfism, and, like these conditions, is rare. Relative generalized microdontia, is also relatively rare, appearing because of large or protruding jaws; in these patients, the teeth appear smaller relative to the size of the jaw, though the teeth themselves may be of average size. When a person has a single tooth that is smaller than its neighbors or appears smaller in comparison, this is known as localized, or focal, microdontia. This localized form is the most common type of microdontia. While localized microdontia affects the upper teeth more often than the lower, most commonly affecting one or both of the upper incisors, any tooth could be affected, and any part of the tooth can be affected – the root, the crown, or both.
Microdontia can arise because of inherited factors, like genetic conditions, or because of environmental influences like wear and tear. If you or someone in your family has multiple teeth that are disproportionately small, certain genetic conditions could be the cause. These conditions include but are by no means limited to dwarfism, cleft lip or palate, and Down syndrome; make sure to closely review your medical history with your dentist, and, if no known syndromes are present, work with your medical team for blood or genetic testing. If only one or two teeth appear undersized, however, it’s possible that the teeth have simply developed that way and there is no underlying condition at fault. If you or your child has unusually small teeth, they may not fit together correctly, affecting the bite and creating undue wear and tear on certain teeth, and it may be more difficult to keep them clean and free from food debris. Even if they don’t bother you aesthetically, short or otherwise small teeth could interfere with your oral health and should be addressed with dental care. Your dentist can assess your teeth, oral health, and overall health and help you determine the best course of treatment, preventing adverse effects from arising in the longer term while safeguarding the symmetry and structure of your smile. In many cases, microdontia doesn’t have to be fixed unless you want to fix it, but make sure to make your informed decision in consultation with your dentist if you’re curious about your short teeth.