My son’s permanent bottom teeth are growing in with chips in them. His dentist says this is normal, but I am concerned that he is going to have problems with the teeth in his teen years. Should I get a second opinion from another pediatric dentist? - Marcie

Marcie - We would need to examine your son’s teeth to determine if there is a problem. But what you describe sounds like normal tooth development. Ridges or bumps on the incisal, or biting, edges of teeth are referred to as mamelons. They are the result of three groups of cells that unite to form the incisal edge of a tooth.

The size and depth of mamelons vary by the individual. It is common to see them as teeth erupt. Some parents are concerned when they see teeth erupt with uneven edges, but as children grow into adulthood, the ridges slowly wear off. In some cases, the mamelons wear off unevenly, but a cosmetic dentist can contour the teeth to make them even.

You can ask your son’s dentist for more information. And if you want reassurance that the teeth are erupting normally, you can always seek a second opinion.

This post is sponsored by NJ top dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.