Tita Doc Pediatric and FamiLee Dental Clinic

17/07/2026

01/07/2026

Mesiodens: What Parents Should Know

What is a Mesiodens?

A mesiodens is an extra tooth that develops between the two upper front teeth. It is the most common type of supernumerary (extra) tooth in children. Sometimes it erupts into the mouth, but often it remains hidden beneath the gums.

Why is it Important?

A mesiodens can interfere with the normal growth and eruption of your child's permanent teeth. Early diagnosis through a dental examination and X-ray helps prevent future dental problems.

What Can Happen If a Mesiodens Is Not Removed?

If left untreated, a mesiodens may cause:

Delayed eruption of the permanent front teeth

Crooked or crowded front teeth

A gap between the upper front teeth

Rotation or displacement of permanent teeth

Damage to the roots of nearby teeth

Formation of cysts (rare)

More complicated orthodontic treatment later in life

Difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene due to crowded teeth

BENEFITS of Removing a Mesiodens

Removing a mesiodens at the appropriate time can:

Allow permanent front teeth to erupt normally

Reduce the risk of crowding and misalignment

Improve your child's smile and dental appearance

Help prevent damage to neighboring teeth

Lower the chance of developing cysts or other complications

Make future orthodontic treatment simpler, shorter, or sometimes unnecessary

Support healthy growth and development of the permanent dentition

How is a Mesiodens Treated?

Treatment usually involves a minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. Your child's dentist will determine the best timing for removal based on your child's age, tooth development, and X-ray findings.

REMEMBER:

Early detection makes a big difference. Regular dental check-ups and dental X-rays allow your dentist to identify a mesiodens before it causes problems.

Healthy smiles begin with early care and timely treatment!

Note: Photos and xrays shown are from different cases.

31/03/2026

First dental visits are important and crucial in a child's acceptance to dental treatment journey.

1. First Dental Visits by the first birthday. 

This initial visit is to assess current oral health status of the child. Dentist will also give parents anticipatory guidance on oral hygiene, diet counselling, fluoride use, trauma prevention, bacterial transmissibility, habit formation/cessation and teething.

2. Prepare the child

Preparations can be done thru reading books, watching videos, visual aids, modeling, etc. Setting expectations is important. Make sure that child is well rested during the first visit.

3. Do not use the Dentist for negative reinforcements

Parents should instill that Dentists are friends that would help maintain good oral health. Never use the dentist or going to the dentist as a punishment.

4. Do not bring the child only because of pain and infection

If a child is in pain during the initial visit, they will always associate pain to dental visits. 

5. Visit the dentist regularly for periodic check up and cleaning with fluoride.

Frequent regular visits will minimize the chances of new dental caries and gives the child a more sense of familiarity and comfort during visits. This would also help ensure a happy and cavity-free child.

Patient JLV, 2.5 years old periodically visits the clinic as soon as his teeth starts coming out. He was allowed to explore and play in the clinic. He recently started sitting on his own. Now, almost all baby teeth are out and remains to be cavity-free

06/01/2026

Starting the year with a few reminders:

1. Do not bring kids to the dentist only because of pain and infection!

2. Start DENTAL HOME as early as possible. Bring kids to the dentist as early as the first year of life.

3. Extraction is not the ONLY option for baby teeth.

4. Brush child's teeth at least twice a day with FLUORIDATED Toothpaste.

5. If with dental/oral health concerns; Consult a Licensed Dentist!

Happy New Year!