Enamel hypoplasia is a deficiency or deterioration of tooth enamel. Tooth enamel protects teeth from decay or wear. A deficiency can make teeth more susceptible to cavities, erosion, and other problems. Treatment includes procedures to protect teeth and improve their appearance.
What is enamel hypoplasia?
Tooth enamel is the hard layer that covers teeth and protects their sensitive inner parts, including dentin and pulp. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the entire body. Enamel is 96% mineral, making it stronger than bone and more resistant to damage.
Enamel hypoplasia is when tooth enamel does not form properly, causing it to be too thin. Unlike dental erosion, where enamel wears away over time, enamel hypoplasia is simply a deficiency or deterioration of enamel.
Diseases or environmental factors prevent the enamel from forming properly before teeth erupt in the mouth. Depending on the cause, enamel hypoplasia can affect both baby and permanent teeth. The enamel may be thin or missing on just one tooth, or a person may have several hypoplastic teeth.
Problems with enamel development are common. One of the most common causes of enamel hypoplasia—a condition called amelogenesis imperfecta—affects about 1 in 700 people in developing countries. In the United States, for example, it is less common, affecting about 1 in 14,000 people.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of enamel hypoplasia include:
- teeth with pits, grooves, or cracks;
- worn or chipped teeth;
- yellowish or brown spots on the teeth;
- white spots on the teeth;
- sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks.
Causes
If you or your child has enamel hypoplasia, it means that something has disrupted the development of enamel at a key time. Tooth enamel begins to form during fetal development and continues into childhood.
The enamel on different teeth forms at different times. Some teeth may have little or no enamel, while others may develop properly.
Genetic factors. Several rare conditions can cause enamel hypoplasia. They involve inheriting a gene from one or both biological parents that causes enamel to be too thin or absent.
Syndromes that can cause enamel hypoplasia include:
- amelogenesis imperfecta;
- DiGeorge syndrome;
- Ellis-van Creveld syndrome;
- Heimler syndrome;
- otodental syndrome;
- Seckel syndrome;
- Treacher Collins syndrome;
- Usher syndrome.
Environmental factors. Various factors can affect enamel development both during pregnancy and after birth. Problems related to pregnancy can affect the development of a baby’s baby teeth before birth.
A baby may develop enamel hypoplasia if the expectant mother:
- has gestational diabetes;
- is vitamin D deficient;
- does not have access to prenatal care;
- is a smoker.
Other factors that can interfere with enamel development include:
- tooth damage;
- lack of vitamins A, C, D, or calcium;
- dental fluorosis, or a condition that occurs in young children eight years of age and younger who consume too much fluoride.
Viral and bacterial infections. Certain diseases, including liver disease, cerebral palsy, and celiac disease, can lead to enamel hypoplasia.
What are the complications of this condition?
Hypoplastic teeth do not have the same protection as teeth that are fully enameled.
This can cause the teeth to soften and wear down, leading to a number of problems:
- Caries;
- Erosion of the teeth;
- A malocclusion;
- Teeth may turn brown;
- Severe tooth sensitivity or pain when brushing.
Diagnosis
The dentist will check for signs of enamel hypoplasia, such as pits or white spots, during a dental exam. It is important to schedule your child’s first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing or by their first birthday.
At the first visit, the doctor will check for problems related to tooth development, such as enamel hypoplasia. Early diagnosis allows you to take steps to save hypoplastic teeth — before problems such as cavities or stains develop.
Treatment
A dentist may first observe the condition of your teeth and recommend treatment only if there is damage or a risk of damage to your teeth.
Depending on your situation, the following treatments may be prescribed:
- Enamel mineralization: adds minerals to your teeth that help strengthen the enamel;
- Bonding: involves applying a tooth-colored polymer material to your teeth;
- Crowns: a tooth-shaped cap that covers and protects weak or damaged teeth;
- Dental fillings: a substance that fills the empty space after a dentist has removed decay. Fillings can also repair damaged areas of your teeth;
- Veneers: a thin coating that is placed on the front surface of your teeth to hide imperfections, such as discoloration or chips.
Can enamel hypoplasia be corrected?
Although enamel is strong, it cannot repair itself like other tissues in our body. Enamel hypoplasia cannot be completely cured, but it can be managed with the help of a dentist.
Tooth enamel is a strong protector that allows you to chew hard foods and drink hot or cold drinks without pain. But once enamel is gone, it cannot be rebuilt. That’s why treatment involves preserving the necessary enamel to strengthen your teeth.
Your dentist can recommend ways to preserve and protect your teeth if you have enamel hypoplasia.
This may include:
- getting regular professional teeth cleanings (twice a year);
- treating conditions that can wear down your teeth (such as bruxism);
- maintaining good oral hygiene (including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily);
- eating foods that contain vitamins that are essential for strong teeth (such as vitamins A and D); and
- consuming foods or drinks that are high in calcium (such as cheese and milk).
What foods to avoid
Avoid or reduce your intake of foods or drinks that can stain or damage your enamel. This includes:
- sweet foods, including candy and starchy foods, which can get stuck in your teeth;
- sweet drinks, such as sugary sodas and fruit juices;
- foods or drinks that cause dry mouth, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol;
- acidic foods, including citrus fruits.
Your dentist can review your diet with you and recommend alternatives that are not harmful to your teeth.
Enamel hypoplasia is a lifelong condition that you and your dentist should monitor closely. But having less enamel doesn’t mean you can’t have healthy teeth. Ask your dentist at YAREMA DENTAL about how to preserve your enamel, as well as procedures that can help improve the appearance of your teeth if you’re embarrassed about your smile.