Kalpana Balan, an Indian woman from Tamil Nadu, has broken the Guinness World Record (GWR) for possessing the most number of teeth in the female category. Ideally, most adults have 32 teeth. However, the 26-year-old has 38 teeth set; the extra six consist of four extra mandibular teeth in the lower jaw and two extra maxillary teeth in the upper jaw.
According to the GWR team, Balan started developing the dental condition during her teenage years. Although her extra teeth do not cause her any physical distress, she mentioned that she does struggle while eating her food as they often get stuck in between them.
She also revealed that her parents were “shocked” when they found out about her condition and even advised her to get them removed. But it was her dentist who advised her to wait for the teeth to grow, as it would be challenging to remove them in the developing stage.
Balan took the advice and currently celebrates her GMR title.
"I am so happy to get the Guinness World Records title," she said, adding, "It's my lifetime achievement."
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What Is Hyperdontia?
The development of one extra tooth or several extra teeth (supernumerary teeth) is a result of a condition called hyperdontia, which occurs in 0.1-3.8% of people, according to a study published in the Dental Research Journal.
While the condition can occur in anyone, males are twice as likely to develop it as females, as per a study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry.
Although the exact cause of the condition is unclear, research suggests it can occur due to certain disorders, including Gardner syndrome, Fabry disease, cleidocranial dysostosis, and a cleft lip or palate.
Some of the common characteristics of hyperdontia include extra teeth that may develop either in the upper or lower jaws, or both, and/or on one or both sides of the mouth. While most people with the condition develop one extra tooth, 12–23% of hyperdontia cases involve the presence of two extra teeth.
Is The Condition Concerning?
According to Medical News Today, extra teeth usually cause no symptoms, and some people may not notice them all. It is not a dangerous or life-threatening condition. However, if left untreated, there may be an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
Dr Ankita Sharma, Consultant, Dental Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, said, "Most people who have hyperdontia do not need any treatment unless and until it creates an issue in your oral cavity. For instance, if you feel pain or discomfort or if you have any aesthetic issues, you can then seek treatment, which involves removing the extra tooth."
In addition, if your extra tooth is positioned in a way that it affects other teeth, then again you can seek treatment, she added.
Also Read: The Truth Behind Your Smile: Crucial Facts About Teeth And Oral Health
A Canadian Man Holds The World Record For Male Category With 41 Teeth
Alongside Balan, Evano Mellone from Canada is the world record holder for most teeth in the male category with 41 teeth, as verified on November 11, 2021.
“Evano was confident he had enough teeth in order to surpass the previous record of 37, but upon visiting the dentist for his official count, he discovered one more than he expected, as well as one further hidden tooth that had not broken through the gum surface,” the GWR has said.
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