What Does Enamel Hypoplasia Look Like?
There are different reasons for pits and fissures in teeth. Often, the reason is due to poor oral healthcare. With that said, there is also a genetic condition that can cause pits, grooves, and other issues with teeth—enamel hypoplasia.
Below is more information about enamel, enamel hypoplasia, and some reasons for enamel damage.
What is Enamel?
Enamel is the thin, translucent, strong, and durable surface on the outside of the tooth. While it is extremely protective, it can be damaged. There are also genetic issues that can lead to the enamel not forming properly.
What Does Enamel Hypoplasia Look Like?
Enamel hypoplasia is a genetic condition that involves the enamel of a tooth being thinner than it should be. It may look like white spots, brown spots, yellowing, grooves, or pits in teeth. Enamel hypoplasia can occur both in adult and primary teeth. As the condition is genetic, it can’t be avoided. It can be treated, though.
Other Causes of Pitted and Damaged Enamel
While genetics may be a factor with pitted teeth, it isn’t the only thing that can lead to pitting and enamel damage. Other factors for damage to the enamel include:
* Drinking fruit drinks and soda. Soda and acidic fruit drinks will wear away your enamel over time if you drink them too often.
* Acid reflux and heartburn. Acid reflux can cause stomach acid to reach all the way up to the mouth of the patient. This, in turn, can wear away the enamel of their teeth.
* Bruxism. If you grind or clench your teeth, you are suffering from a condition known as “bruxism.” This condition can cause severe damage to the enamel of your teeth over time.
To prevent damage to the enamel, it’s important to take proper care of your oral health. This means visiting the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. They can look for signs of bruxism, poor brushing habits, and more. If they notice signs of bruxism, they may prescribe you a custom mouthguard. If you don’t opt for the custom mouthguard, you should at least pick up an over-the-counter guard.
If you are experiencing heartburn, visit your doctor to receive medication. Eating healthier can also help to treat the condition.
Signs of Erosion of Enamel
Some of the signs of enamel erosion include:
* Pits
* Fissures
* Cracks and chips
* Pain
* Discoloration
Treatment for Enamel Erosion
Enamel erosion and pitting can be treated in a few ways. If the issue is due to enamel hypoplasia, your dentist may place a sealant over the affected teeth. If your child has enamel hypoplasia, your dentist may recommend a sealant for their primary teeth. If they have adult teeth that have hypoplasia, your dentist may recommend a sealant for those as well.
If erosion has severely damaged a tooth, a dental crown may need to be placed to restore the tooth.
Contact Us
If you believe you have enamel hypoplasia, schedule an appointment today for your dentist to take a look. From there, a treatment plan can be put in place.