Are My Child’s New Teeth Supposed To Be Bumpy?

In the Know for You to Know

You’ve made it! Your child is officially on the permanent tooth chart. The Tooth Fairy has visited at least once. Adult teeth are coming in. Everyone is happy.

But wait, what are those bumps on the edges of these teeth? They weren’t there yesterday, or were they? Are they supposed to be there? What are they and why are they there?

You’re thinking, what do I do? And how do I explain this to my child?

Why Do The Edges Of My Child’s Teeth Have Bumps?

Their baby teeth had smooth edges, so why don’t their adult teeth? Adult teeth don’t form as a solid entity. As they form they fuse from 3 tissue lobes which morph into a single tooth, and the bumps are the result of this process. The 3 bumps are located along the edge of the teeth and help the teeth come through the gums.

The Bumps On New Adult Teeth Actually Have A Name

These bumpy grooves have a groovy name and are called Mamelons. Mamelons are perfectly normal.

As a Pediatric Dentist we expect these bumps to be present as brand new adult teeth come in and for a few years as these teeth continue to grow under the gums.

Which Teeth Have Mamelons?

You will see Mamelons on the 4 top and 4 bottom front teeth. These front teeth are called Incisors. The 4 top front teeth are called the Maxillary Incisors and the 4 bottom front teeth are called the Mandibular Incisors.

Do I Need To Have the Mamelons Removed Or Can I Leave them Alone?

There is no need to worry about Mamelons. They do not interfere with normal biting and chewing, they are not an esthetic issue; so they are not an oral health concern.

As your child gets older and the Mamelons don’t wear away, check with your Dentist about any potential bite concerns.

In general, leave them alone and they will wear away on their own.

How Do I Explain Mamelons To My Child?

There’s really nothing to say. If your child asks, assure them everything is okay and there are children in their class whose teeth also have these wavy Mamelons.

What About Pictures?

Take as many as you can! Mamelons are present for such a short period of time. You’ll want to remember this time forever.

What did you think when you first saw the Mamelons? Share your stories with us – email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Like us, Message us, Chat with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline We’d love to hear from you!

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!