What does Enamel Hypoplasia look like?
Tooth enamel is the strong, protective outer layer of the teeth. Enamel hypoplasia is identified as white spots, pits, yellow or brown stains, or even chipped parts of the enamel. Surface irregularities can leave teeth susceptible to excessive wear, sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, and decay.
Even if you notice enamel hypoplasia on your child's baby teeth, it is best to bring it to the attention of their pediatric dentist so they can check the teeth and monitor them as your child grows. If a baby tooth has hyperplasia, it does not necessarily mean that the permanent tooth below it will have hyperplasia as well. Enamel irregularities can occur even before birth and since your primary teeth and permanent teeth develop at different times, what affects the baby teeth might not affect the permanent teeth.
Any areas on your child's teeth that you find concerning should be addressed by their pediatric dentist. Even though they are their baby teeth, it is important for their dentist to monitor them as they grow. Causes of enamel hypoplasia can include environmental factors as well as genetics. While the teeth are developing, things that affect the baby before birth include maternal illness, medications given to the mother, smoking while pregnant, using drugs while pregnant, and systemic diseases. Preterm babies and those with a low birthweight are also at a higher risk of developing enamel hypoplasia as well as children who have inherited developmental conditions, vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, and systemic diseases.
Enamel hypoplasia can even result from dental trauma. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available if their pediatric dentist believes it is necessary in order to prevent further damage. One great option to restore teeth with enamel hypoplasia is with enamel microabrasion. Microabrasion for the teeth works just like microabrasion for the skin! Only a minimal amount of the outer surface is removed using an abrasive paste and polishing the teeth to remove staining and pitting.
Another option is dental bonding. Composite dental bonding is the same material that is used for dental fillings. It is placed over the affected tooth and smoothed to a thin coating over the teeth to protect and restore. For children patients who have all of their adult teeth, they may be a candidate for crowns or veneers for severely affected teeth. Silver Diamine Fluoride may be used to desensitize teeth that are overly sensitive and protective sealants can also be placed to prevent further damage to the affected teeth. Even if the teeth that are showing signs of enamel hypoplasia are baby teeth that will fall out, it is important to the comfort and health of your child to have these issues addressed. Left untreated, cavities can form which can spread to underlying adult teeth and cause more problems down the road.
It is also important to teach your child good oral hygiene and help them maintain a healthy diet. Teach your child how to brush properly twice a day and it may be beneficial to use a fluoride toothpaste if so recommended. Diets low in sugar are important to growing children as is taking them to see their pediatric dentist at least twice a year unless otherwise advised by their dentist.