WE ALL WANTa perfect, pearly-white smile. Sometimes all it takes is a good brushing and flossing habit and regular dental visits, but not everyone is lucky enough to have naturally strong teeth that are easy to take care of. For some people, a healthy smile is much harder to achieve because of a condition called enamel hypoplasia.
The Importance Of Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamelmakes up the outermost layer of our teeth. It's the hardest substance in the human body, and it's composed of minerals like hydroxyapatite. It forms a barrier to protect the more vulnerable inner layers of the teeth. Even though it is a very hard substance, it's vulnerable to erosion from acid, and because it isn't made up of living cells,when it wears away, it doesn't come back.
What Is Enamel Hypoplasia?
Enamel hypoplasia isa defect that affects the way the teeth develop, causing them to have poor enamel matrix formation.Symptoms of enamel hypoplasia include:
Pits, grooves, depressions, and fissures in the teeth
White spots
Yellowish-brown stains
Temperature and acid sensitivity
Irregular wearing of teeth
Increased vulnerability to tooth decay and cavities
A similar (but less severe) condition is hypomineralization, in which the enamel has insufficient mineral content and is softer and more translucent. If the hypoplasia only affects a single tooth, it is called Turner's hypoplasia, which often the result of trauma or infection while the tooth was developing.
Causes Of Enamel Hypoplasia
Hereditary enamel hypoplasiais a genetic defect that impacts odontogenesis (tooth formation). There are several different hereditary conditions that can cause it, butenvironmental factors are also a culprit.Prenatal conditions, lack of prenatal care, and premature birth or low birth weight can hinder the formation of healthy teeth, as can direct trauma, infection, deficiency in calcium or vitamins A, C, or D, and certain diseases.
Keeping Your Teeth Strong
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for keeping teeth with enamel hypoplasia healthy.Treatment may come in the form ofresin-bonded sealant, fillings, crowns, and professional whitening. The goals are to prevent tooth decay, help the patient maintain a good bite, preserve the structure of the teeth, and keep the teeth looking their best.
Fight For Your Teeth, With The Help Of Your Dentist
There is a lot your dentist can do to help your teeth stay healthy, and there's a lot you can do too! Your daily oral hygiene routine is crucial, so always remember to brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, and use lukewarm water if your teeth are sensitive. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks when possible, and keep up with your regular dental check-ups!
We're rooting for our patients' healthy smiles!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
