Unusual Tooth Shape?

[JumpTheDitch]

I noticed my four-year old's molars are shaped quite differently to mine. The best description I can think of is that they look like one & a half teeth joined together!

Both upper molars are the same, they both have six cusps, with what looks like two extra cusps on the lingual side. I assumed four was standard: does anyone else have more than four cusps on their molars? The corresponding lower molars only have four cusps, six seems a bit unusual!

So it made me wonder: what is 'normal' when it comes to tooth shape?

[Okate]

Oh yeah I can see it. Not sure what's normal here but I will definitely be checking my 6 and 5 year olds teeth when they get home from school!!!

[Avalon Rose]

WOW! I see what you are talking about!!! That is strange. I have one more molar than you do, so maybe they were conjoined and not two seperate teeth??? How neat is that? I have one tooth thatis shaped a little odd, but the other tooth on the opposite side does not match it,but honestly I amnot worried. I think yours is so cool.

[JumpTheDitch]

I know what you mean Avalon Rose, it looks like two teeth merged. It's my 4yo son's first molar, I don't think the second molars come in until about 6 years of age so I think it's just the one tooth. It will be interesting to see how his 6yo molars emerge.

Ive done a little googling; it must be a Cusp of Caribelli, but ive only found reference to one extra (5th) cusp, I havent found any reference to having two extra (5th & 6th) cusps.

How about your kids' teeth Okate??

Apparently having an extra Cusp (whether a fully formed point or just an extra bump) on the lingual side of your first, less commonly second, or even rarely third molars is relatively common. So, has anyone got any extra bits on their molars??

[Okate]

Hi yeah I checked their teeth and no they don't have a tooth shaped like that. Teeth are strange and I don't really know much about them but I'm learning. Maybe just ask the dentist at their next appointment : )

[MilkTeaholic]

heehee. I have no kids but my fiance's two molars are like that on both sides. I think they are normal and that they can be found in a minority of people. He never has had issues nor any of his dentists have said anything about them. I notice them only because I was checking out his teeth seeing he had braces for a few months a couple of years back. Still, ask your dentists but just know that I know of at least one adult with the funny 1.5 tooth look.