What causes pitted and defective enamel?
The protective outer layer of our teeth is called enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance in your body but since it does not contain any living cells, it cannot repair itself so when the enamel becomes affected by enamel hypoplasia, it is important to have the enamel restored as soon as possible.
Enamel hypoplasia is a defect of the enamel that only occurs while the teeth are still developing and can affect both baby teeth and permanent teeth. This condition results in thin enamel which makes the teeth more vulnerable to pitting and decay.
What does enamel hypoplasia look like?
Then tooth enamel can lead to a number of cosmetic issues but others may not be noticeable until they cause a major dental problem.
Some signs of enamel hypoplasia include:
* White spots on the teeth
* Pits, grooves, depressions in the surface of the teeth
* Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
* Yellow-brown stains where underlying dentin is exposed
What causes enamel hypoplasia?
Pitted or defective enamel can be a result of hereditary conditions such as amelogenesis imperfecta, Usher syndrome, Seckel syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome along with a number of other genetic conditions.
Prenatal issues can also cause enamel hypoplasia during gestation such as:
* Weight gain
* Smoking
* Drug use
* Vitamin D deficiency
* Premature birth or low birth weight
* Lack of prenatal care
There are also environmental factors that can lead to enamel hypoplasia:
* Infection
* Calcium deficiency
* Celiac disease
* Trauma to the teeth
* Jaundice or liver disease
How is enamel hypoplasia treated?
There are a few different treatment options available for patient suffering from pitted and defective tooth enamel. The treatment option your dentist chooses for you will be based on the severity of hyperplasia. For patients experiencing sensitivity, cavities, or tooth wear, treatment options may include:
* Dental sealants: a plastic material that covers the occlusal surface of the molars and premolars.
* Enamel microabrasion: a minimal invasive procedure used to smooth the surface of the teeth.
* Composite fillings: typically used for treating cavities, the material used for fillings can be used to modify the appearance of teeth.
* Dental crowns: if pitting is severe, dental crowns can be used to restore the entire surface of the tooth to the gum line.
* Dental veneers: like crowns, veneers can be used to improve the surface of the tooth but only cover the facial surface of the anterior teeth, which shows when you smile.
In some severe cases, a permanent tooth is malformed to the point that it needs to be extracted. In this case, your dentist can provide treatment options to replace the tooth such as a dental bridge or dental implant.
Maintaining good oral care is important regardless of the state of your teeth but even more so once problems have been addressed and restored. To keep your smile healthy, you should brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Oral care products containing fluoride can be beneficial to all patients but especially those with restorations. Make sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year so they can monitor the health of your teeth and treat problems early, before they can cause more severe damage.