What are the Small Ridges on Teeth?

Ridges on Your Teeth?

Have you ever wondered why you have ridges on your teeth? Since fingernail ridges can sometimes signal illness, you may wonder if the same is true for your teeth. In most cases, teeth ridges are harmless, but they are sometimes linked to illness or poor oral hygiene.

Even if your ridges are not a symptom of illness, you may dislike the way they look. If they bother you, ask a dentist about cosmetic procedures to get smooth teeth.

Do They Have a Name?

Tooth ridges are known as mamelons. They form on your teeth when you first develop your adult teeth. In most cases, mamelons fade away as you get older. In others, your teeth may still have these ridges into adulthood.

Are They a Warning Sign of Tooth Problems?

Mamelons are not necessarily a sign of tooth problems, but good dental health can make them appear less prominent. Many people dislike them because they’d prefer a smile full of smooth, ridge-free teeth. If you want to get rid of them, ask your dentist about cosmetic procedures. Simple, in-office treatments can smooth the surfaces of your teeth safely.

What Causes Ridges on Your Teeth?

Although mamelons are totally natural, certain things can cause them to stand out more. Here are some things that are often associated with large, visible ridges.

Gastric disorders: If you have a gastrointestinal or digestive disorder, acid from your stomach can weaken your tooth enamel.

Lung or respiratory diseases: Illness in your lungs can cause an increase in the hydrogen levels of your breath. That can damage your tooth enamel.

Weak immune system: Illnesses that weaken your immune system can upset the acid balance in your mouth.

Poor oral health: Poor dental hygiene can weaken your enamel and make your ridges more prominent.

Open Bite - these mamelons are on your teeth naturally, but if your upper teeth don't touch your lower teeth in the front - they don't wear into their natural smooth shape

How To Prevent Mamelons on Your Teeth

You can reduce the appearance of ridges by practicing good oral health.

Brush your teeth: Always brush correctly. Use a soft brush, and brush with a gentle downward motion instead of moving the brush from side to side.

Use saltwater rinses: A saltwater gargle can give your oral hygiene routine a boost. This simple home remedy has many great uses. Don’t use salt water rinses for more than two weeks.

Remove Those Ridges

Your dentist can prescribe safe treatments that remove your mamelons and return your teeth to a smooth, gleaming state. Among these treatments are tooth contouring, cosmetic contouring, and tooth reshaping.

Contact Us for Your Dental Needs

At Malan Family Dentistry, we offer the latest medical and cosmetic dental treatments. Our goal is to give every member of your family a bright, healthy smile. If you want a better smile, make an appointment today.