Dental anomalies are developmental disturbances affecting the number, size, shape, structure, or eruption of teeth. These conditions may occur as isolated findings or as part of broader syndromic conditions.
Early recognition of dental anomalies is important for appropriate diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term management of affected children.
Core principles include:
The goal of managing dental anomalies is to support optimal oral health, function, and psychosocial well-being throughout childhood and adolescence.
Early diagnosis of dental anomalies should be based on careful clinical examination and appropriate radiographic assessment when indicated.
Dental anomalies may affect tooth number, size, morphology, structure, or eruption patterns and should be considered during routine paediatric dental evaluations.
(Evidence-based recommendations are not subject to global agreement scoring.)
(Evaluated for Global Agreement in 2022)
Children presenting with dental anomalies should be evaluated for possible associated medical or genetic conditions where appropriate.
Management of dental anomalies may require multidisciplinary collaboration between paediatric dentists and other dental or medical specialists depending on the nature and severity of the condition.
Treatment planning should consider the child’s age, dental development, functional needs, and long-term oral health outcomes.
To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.
Selected topics related to paediatric dental development and anomalies may be discussed within the IAPD Podcast Series.
Relevant webinars may address the diagnosis and management of dental anomalies in paediatric patients.
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on Behaviour Guidance in Paediatric Dental Patients.
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.
