Calling all DENTISTS - advice please

[TheMoreItSnows]

Hi - just back from the dentist with dd1 (6.5) and dd2 (nearly 5), he tells me that the girls teeth haven't formed properly, there is a small 'crater' in the enamel of one of dd2's back milk teeth, and the same, more disturbingly, in dd1's brand new adult molar.

It isn't decay, he was at pains to point out that it's nothing to do with brushing technique, nothing to do with tooth care, it is just how the teeth have developed and he also said that it also means it is much more likely to happen to their incisors as well.

What is it called, what can be done (can the teeth be sealed? He suggests 'we'll just 'watch them'), and why has this happened to both girls? Bit gutted really.

[TheMoreItSnows]

What no dentists here tonight? Surely one, somewhere....??

[TheMoreItSnows]

Last bump before I weep into my tea.... Anyone....

[Grumpystiltskin]

I don't mean to be flippant but there are literally thousands of things that can go wrong with teeth, you have gone to the trouble of going to a dentist, you should grill the dentist you saw as none of us can:
a: Prove we are dentists (I am btw!)
b: see your dds

If he thinks it will be ok, it probably will but if you're worried, get a second opinion.

[twilight81]

i think some of us find it difficult to question dentists/gps etc when they tell you something, you kind of assume they will be right and its not till you walk away and think about it the worry sets in and you think why didnt i ask this or say that!!!

im sure by the way that there will be other more helpful dentists who read this that could offer some advice

[Grumpystiltskin]

well in an attempt to be helpful twilight. It could be enamel hypoplasia, it could be fluorosis, amelogenesis imperfecta (about 6 types of this), dentinogenesis imperfecta (several types of this too), intrinsic staining, trauma, molar/incisor hypomineralisation, regional odontodysplasia, turner teeth, hutchinson's incisors and lots more that I can't remember.

In all likelihood it's either hypoplasia or fluorosis.

OP, I can't stress how much it is impossible to tell without a full exam and medical history. I would ring the dentist and if you are lucky and have a half decent one, he will be happy to make a quick appointment and give you some leaflets or internet links so you can have a look at your leisure.

Hope you've stopped worrying?

[sneezecakesmum]

Grumpy... would enamel hypoplasia only show in second teeth if the first teeth were unaffected? DGS 2.9 has hardly any teeth because of this though 4 molars seem to have been spared - he can chew at least!

If the second teeth only are affected would it mean some serious illness affecting the child at a crucial point of tooth development? Hence needing a medical history. Just curious - its my middle name.

[TheMoreItSnows]

Oooh just checked back in - nope haven't stopped worrying, and indeed have arranged to see someone else in a few weeks when I will have got all my questions sorted in my mind.

Twilight is right though - you walk out having been told that's there's nothing that can be done and not to worry, and get home and DH says 'what's it called, what are they going to do about it, what's caused it, how do they stop it from happening again?' and you look on blankly and then say 'well next time you take them then....'

Grumpy - thanks for your answer and I now understand why this might be tricky to answer! I guess I just assumed someone would pop up and say 'ahhh that sounds like blah, and you can do 'blah'. 'Hypomineralisation' rings a bell - I think he mentioned that...

[Grumpystiltskin]

Sneeze, it wouldn't need to be a serious illness, just anything enough to make the body think that it should concentrate on something else for a while IYSWIM. For some this is being weaned onto solids and having an intolerance to something (ie coeliac disease) for some it is measles etc etc. But yes, the med history is helpful in identifying the cause and sometimes mums will say ooh yes, he did have such & such at the age of 2.
I don't treat many children so I am the first to admit I'm a bit rusty on first teeth.

[sneezecakesmum]

Thank you Grumpy. DGS had enamel hypoplasia due to intra uterine growth retardation so we know where it came from. 4.5 lbs at near 38 weeks birth. Her own dentist said that immediately and what caused it, but the specialist at the dental hospital who took all the teeth out said it was because she still bf him at night at 2 years old. (not many sweet foods and drank only water)
Sorry but he was talking out of his rear as there are millions of babies bf till 2 yo and they still have teeth. DD herself was one of them!
Still made DD feel bad at a bad time, so you can see I'm a bit peeved!

[jimjam14]

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