I first noticed my son’s chalky coloured teeth when his first molars erupted at the age of 7. It had a white creamy look on it. I didn’t take it seriously then. Once his front teeth came through showing signs of the same discolouration I started to worry.
We met a dentist at the Royal Children’s hospital in Melbourne. They were unable to give us a diagnosis. They suspected hypocalcification. I was to wait for his next tooth to drop for them to analyse the baby tooth to give us the reason for this “chalky colour” on his teeth. Finally, we were told that before birth as well as just after at the time the teeth were forming he did not get enough calcium thus leading to this condition.
My son had lots of food sensitivities and gut issues from birth. He struggled with leaky gut and Bacterial overgrowth which would have limited his ability to absorb the nutrients properly in his early years. Luckily my son’s enamel still remains hard so we do go for regular check-ups. So, for us at the moment it is more of a cosmetic issue.
However, depending on the severity of the condition some children’s teeth may decay sooner and the teeth may chip and break easily. It is very important to get to a dentist as fast as possible if you see your child’s teeth to have a different colour.
What is Enamel?
Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. This tough shell is the hardest tissue in the human body. Enamel covers the crown which is the part of the tooth that’s visible outside of the gums.
What is Hypocalcification?
Enamel hypocalcification is a defect of tooth enamel in which normal amounts of enamel are produced but are hypomineralised. When you have this condition the enamel is softer than normal.
If your teeth have white spots or stains, your tooth enamel could be showing signs of hypocalcification.
Reasons for Hypocalcification
Acidity
White discolouration appears when acidic conditions in the mouth dissolve the calcium in the tooth enamel and cause it to leach out. Acids from mouth bacteria or acidic foods or drinks break down the calcium in tooth enamel. This loss of minerals is also called demineralization, and this is the first sign of tooth cavities.
Inherited condition
Amelogenesis imperfecta is an inherited condition that affects the teeth and causes weakened enamel. The tooth enamel doesn’t develop normally in primary or adult teeth; it’s soft and prone to rapid wear and breakage.
Calcium loss
Calcium helps strengthen tooth enamel, and wherever it’s lost, the tooth becomes weaker in that area. The first signs of calcium loss are white spots or stains on teeth because the structure of the enamel has changed.
Illness and disturbances during the early years
- Early childhood diseases (high fever, pneumonia, middle ear infection, viral infections etc.)
- Chronic/frequent childhood illness during first four years of life
- Trauma to mouth or primary teeth can cause localised enamel defects
- Poor childhood nutrition and absorption due to food intolerances and allergies. Children who have severe reflux during the first years of like can have too much acidity in the mouth thus causing white spots in primary and adult teeth
Conditions during pregnancy and just after birth
- Mother’s health during pregnancy (illnesses, diet deficiency)
- Prematurity
- Birth difficulties
- Medications given to mother prior to birth
Hypocalcification Treatments
Finding the cause of the hypocalcification provides the best guide to the correct treatment. The aim of treatment is to reduce tooth sensitivity, strengthen teeth and improve their appearance.
When the calcium loss is due to acid attacks, the enamel may respond to remineralization through
- Remineralizing toothpaste– Toothpaste that contains calcium phosphate, stannous fluoride or similar forms of fluoride can help remineralise tooth enamel.
- Creams- Tooth mousse. My son uses tooth mousse and we have seen an immense improvement in the colour of his teeth.
- Fluoride treatments
The above treatments will prevent further calcium loss and cavity development.
In amelogenesis imperfecta patients, hypocalcification cannot be cured, but dentists can provide artificial replacements for the unhealthy enamel.
- Stainless steel crown restorations,
- Veneers
- specialized dentures for defective teeth cover and protect the dentin,
- Preventing decay and relieving the tooth sensitivity some children have with this condition
Ensure that your child gets a balanced diet during her early years enriched in calcium.
Tooth enamel provides the best protection for teeth. White spots or patches on teeth is a warning sign that enamel is becoming weak. You need to take your child for regular dental check-ups (at least every 6 months) so that the dentist can catch the problem in time. You can prevent it from developing into a serious situation.
The D3 Group is a world-first network seeking “better understanding and care of children with chalky teeth. There is plenty is useful material that can be found on their website.
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