Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

About Me

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

When you think about gum, you might think of blowing bubbles, or freshening your breath. However, the gums you need to think of first are the pink ones in your mouth supporting your teeth. I didn't know how important healthy gums were until I came down with a case of gingivitis in my early 20's. I had neglected my brushing and flossing habits for nearly a decade, so my last few years of college were marred by pain in my mouth and bleeding gums. It took me over a year of hard work to reverse the damage I caused and restore my mouth to peak health. My recovery included an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure known as root planing, and that experience convinced me to help others avoid the entire issue of gum disease. This is why I've created my own website to help everyone protect their gums the easy way.

 

Are Your Child's Adult Teeth Coming In With A Pitted Or Irregular-Looking Surface? Enamel Hypoplasia Might Be The Cause

29 February 2016
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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If your child's adult teeth are coming in with an odd-looking, pitted appearance or irregular-looking enamel, he or she may have a condition known as enamel hypoplasia. The outer covering of the teeth, or enamel, can be thin, uneven, and even riddled with holes. Learn more about this frustrating condition, its causes, and the possible treatments available.

What causes enamel hypoplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia has a number of different potential causes:

  • a fever or infection could have interfered with a critical stage of development

  • malnutrition due to an inadequate diet in infancy

  • a Vitamin D deficiency, which interferes with the absorption of calcium

  • chronic kidney disease or failure

  • untreated celiac disease

  • premature birth

  • the ingestion of high levels of fluoride (fluorosis)

  • certain medications

  • severe illness on the mother's part during pregnancy

There may be other causes of the condition as well. Dentists aren't entirely sure of all of the possible causes of hypoplasia, but it is estimated that as many as 1 in 5 children aged 7-13 have at least one hypoplastic molar. That makes it a fairly common, if frustrating, condition.

What can be done to treat it?

The treatment options are partially limited by the severity of the condition in your child. If only one or two teeth are affected, there are generally more options than if the condition affects most of his or her adult teeth. In addition, a very mild case may be mostly cosmetic. Other children may experience dental sensitivity and be more susceptible to cavities.

The first order of treatment is to avoid any further erosion. Because the enamel on teeth is largely composed of minerals, acidic foods and drinks can dissolve it and lead to further harm. Children with hypoplasia should avoid sipping fruit juices, sodas, and sports drinks, which can lead to further erosion. Sour candies, which contain high levels of citric acid, should also be avoided. Children with hypoplasia should make an effort to drink mostly water and milk. In order to preserve the enamel that your child has and reduce any sensitivity, your dentist can also prescribe a remineralizing cream and fluoride treatment.

If the condition is severe, your child may have to have crowns placed on some of his or her teeth. If the teeth affected are molars, stainless steel can be used. If the teeth are visible ones, porcelain crowns can be used instead. It's also possible that your dentist may recommend the removal of a badly pitted molar or two–your child may very well be able to do without one or two teeth without any harm. Once your child is older, he or she may opt for additional cosmetic procedures, such as veneers.

For more information on how to deal with this condition, talk to your cosmetic dentist today.