For those who have experienced enamel hypoplasia: causes, prevention and treatment

Every year more and more people are faced with hypoplasia of enamel. By definition, hypoplasia involves a violation of mineralization and the structure of tooth enamel and dentin. It is formed underdevelopment of tissues in the period from the beginning of the development of the tooth until its eruption.

Specialists are still arguing about what is the main cause of problems associated with enamel hypoplasia. It is believed that among the possible factors affecting the development of this disease, there are:

• Various lesions of the central nervous system;
• Deviations in the work of the thyroid and parathyroid glands (they are responsible for the processes of calcium-phosphorus metabolism);
• Hemolytic jaundice transferred on a background of rhesus-conflict;
• Congenital allergy with violation of water-mineral metabolism;
• Rickets (absorption of calcium ions in the intestine worsens with a lack of vitamin D);
• Congenital syphilis;
• Diseases of the digestive tract;
• Use of certain medications, for example vitamin D2 or tetracycline.

There are two types of hypoplasia: systemic and local. In the case of systemic hypoplasia of the enamel, those teeth that are formed at the same time are affected. There are three forms of systemic hypoplasia: color change, underdevelopment, and lack of enamel.

The first form involves the appearance on the surface of the enamel spots of yellowish or white. The boundaries of the spots are clear, and their dimensions on the same teeth coincide. Most often they can be seen on the vestibular surface. The appearance of such spots does not cause any painful symptoms. Throughout a person's life, their size, color and shape do not undergo any changes.

Underdevelopment is considered a more severe form of hypoplasia. It can have manifestations in the form of a dotted, wavy or furrowed enamel. In this case, the enamel remains intact, but somewhat deformed: it appears some "rollers" or grooves, which over time can change its color.

Absence of enamel - aplasia - is the most severe form of hypoplasia. In addition to aesthetic problems, patients face unpleasant and even painful sensations that arise under the influence of mechanical, chemical, and also temperature stimuli.

Patients with systemic hypoplasia of the enamel of a mild form can at all refuse treatment. In other cases, depending on the complexity of the situation, the dentist can use the method of grinding a thin layer of enamel (microabrasion) to smooth the color, manufacture and install ceramic or composite veneers (thin plates covering the front surface of the tooth), etc. In particularly difficult cases Orthopedic treatment with the use of metal-free or metal-ceramic crowns on zirconium oxide is shown .

Similar forms can have local hypoplasia of tooth enamel. Treatment of it occurs in the same ways, but the disease affects the teeth separately.

The hypoplasia of the enamel of the baby teeth is becoming more common. Treatment and prevention of it - the most important task for parents, because of how healthy the baby's teeth will be, in many ways depends on how the indigenous will develop. Therefore, proper nutrition, regular brushing of teeth and periodic visits to the dentist are truly irreplaceable.