"I've noticed some unusual spots on my child's teeth, and after looking into it, I came across hypoplasia. Could you help me understand what this condition is and how I should address it?"
– Question from Chloe of Albany Creek in Brisbane
Oral Health Therapist, Robyn Russell replies:
Chalky teeth (sometimes referred to as hypomineralization) is caused by an insufficient quantity of minerals in the enamel. Our tooth's enamel acts as a kind of armour. When it isn't strong enough, we get what is known as "chalky teeth."
Roughly 1 in 6 children experience this condition. The cases can be quite different. Ranging from a minor issue, to something more significant.
Recently, researchers discovered that this tooth issue isn't always connected to cavities. The reason is not entirely clear. Although genetics may be a factor, other factors, such as environmental ones, may also be to blame.
Whether or not they have cavities, teeth that look chalky are likely to get worse. Because these teeth are delicate, they are more susceptible to decay. However, we're also observing that even when there's no plaque or germs causing decay, these teeth are still breaking down.
The adult molar, which appears at age 6 or 7, is the tooth that is most frequently impacted initially.
Fixing hypomineralized teeth can be tricky. The material used for fillings works best on healthy enamel. Without enough minerals in the tooth, the fillings will struggle to stick. Meaning the tooth will continue breaking.
Sometimes, we can place a crown on these teeth, depending on the situation. But if we notice them late, the teeth may be too damaged, and the only option left is to take them out.
Another significant issue is the pain and sensitivity kids might feel. We really try to make sure our young patients don't link the dentist with pain, but this condition makes their teeth super sensitive. Numbing the teeth for treatment becomes tough. Sometimes we need to do the procedure with general anaesthesia.
Early intervention is always key. Introducing regular dental visits to your kids at a young age can assist in finding problems sooner.
If detected early enough, we may be able to prevent cavities and tooth breakage in the affected teeth. We often do this by placing stainless steel crowns.
Of course, if you are ever concerned about anything with your child’s teeth, please call us so we can assist you.
Answer: Crowns or special ‘stainless steel crowns’ are sometimes used to help with chalky teeth. These protect the affected teeth from getting cavities and breaking until all a child's teeth are fully grown. It's important to find and treat this early for the best results.
Answer: What we do for chalky teeth depends on how much damage there is. We might use things like dental fillings, enamel microabrasion, or crowns and veneers. The best thing to do is book an appointment with us so we can assess your individual situation and determine the right treatment plan from there.
Answer: Your teeth might feel chalky because of something called hypomineralization, which means there aren't enough minerals in the enamel. This makes your teeth more likely to get cavities and feel sensitive. If you're feeling this, it's a good idea to book an appointment and chat to us about it.
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Your first visit at Today’s Dentistry is all about creating a Dental Roadmap so you know exactly what condition your teeth and gums are in, and what your options are for treatment.
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