Dentists or dental nurses - really need some advice.

[gibberish]

Took dd3 for check up today and was told that she has marks on her teeth which have probably been caused by a serious illness about 2 yrs ago.

Can't think of any illness that she has had which could have caused these marks so wondered if they may have been caused by emotional trauma rather than medical truama?

Worried about this. TIA.

May not have this quite right as haven't worked in dentistry for 9 years but from what I remember when tooth enamel forms it's sensitive and things like childhood diseases (chicken pox, mumps, ear infections etc)can cause defects. Think even an episode of high temp can cause.

I'm sure someone will come along who knows more.

I have never heard of any childhood illness causing marks to the teeth or indeed high temperature.

Actual trauma (a fall or a bang to the teeth) can cause the teeth to darken as can some medications.

What kind of marks are they? Are they actual ridges in the teeth or is it discolouration?

Coeliac disease an cause enamel defects too.

Prolonged use of AB's can cause discolouration.

Thanks for the replies Babyramone, she had chicken pox a few years ago and I did wonder if that could be the cause. Is very odd!

Time for me, no ridges, just slightly darker patches at the same point on a few of her teeth.

The reason I ask is that I had heard that severe emotional distress can cause marks on bones... and wonder if it could also cause marks on teeth. I'm worried because about 2 yrs ago I left dh for about 4 months, taking the girls with me (we're back together and doing fine now). I thought that dd3 and dd4 were too young at the time to be badly affected but I may be wrong. Feel really awful about it

She's never been on ABs Lizs but I didn't realise that so many things could affect the enamel!

Dentist said she will probably need cosmetic work done when she is older to whiten the enamel. What is sad is that, although the marks are not obvious, she is already very conscious of it and doesn't like to smile too much. She is only 8.

Hi

I wonder if you could go back and ask for a second opinion. Dark marks on the teeth sometimes indicate a trauma and are as aresult of bleeding into the tooth.

Personally though, I would want to know exactly what caused it, I would want any underlying causes ruled out.

I've also heard that using an adult fluoride toothpaste can cause damage to the teeth. Children under a certain age are supposed to use th enon fluoride toothpaste apparantly

I hope you manage to find your answer

Thanks timeforme I had a good look at the marks and they are actually lighter marks Shows how much attention I pay... Anyway, we have another appointment next week (she is getting her teeth 'painted' - gives the adult teeth more protection or something) so am going to ask more about it then.

Thanks everyone.