Enamel hypoplasia is there anything I can do?

[Uyhmo]

its on adult first molars. Dentist seems to just say keep them really clean and they will probably need a crown at some point. Is there nothing else I can do? Any dentists with any advice? Wondering about tooth mousse?

I'm assuming this is your ds or dd.
Keep them clean, be very careful with sugar intake as the surfaces are weaker so will decay more easily.
Regular check ups with fluoride application.
If they are very hypoplastic sometimes a planned well timed extraction to allow the second molars to replace them is needed but this is usually under Orthodontic guidance. At some point they may need fillings or crowns but that should be guided by your dentist.

Thanks we are trying to monitor sugar intake. Dentist didn’t suggest fluoride application , not sure if I should go back and ask for it. He is very much of a “limit sugar intake” sort of view. Dd is almost 13 now. So not sure if we missed opportunity to remove them as literature says optimum time is between 9 and 11. Everything got delayed with covid.

it’s very frustrating as having crowns fitted does t sound like a good long term solution but I suppose may be all we can do

@Uyhmo yes the window has gone for planned extractions but that may not have been appropriate it really depends on how severe the hypoplasia is, it can range from very mild which just looks chalky and patchy to no enamel.
If you want to post a picture of the worst affected tooth there are lots of dentists on here we'll give you some idea of what we'd recommend.

Are you a dentist? That’s reassuring in a way that the window has gone for planned extraction. As I wasn’t sure if I should push for second opinion asap to get it done now. I suppose we just need to manage the situation now.

but younger dd who is 10 also has the same issue and maybe we should consider planned extraction for her

I will try and get a photo but not sure how clear it will be

Yes, I'm a dentist. Regarding your other DD it depends on the degree of hypoplasia.
I realised you asked about Tooth Mousse in your first post. Excellent stuff and it comes in nice flavours. You could also use a toothpaste with stannous fluoride such as the Oral B Pro-expert range, but diet (limiting snacking/grazing especially fruits, smoothies, juices, yoghurts) and good oral hygiene are the key.
I'm seeing lots adults wreck their teeth at the moment and sometimes it's tricky working out what they're eating or drinking that's doing it. My latest was someone drinking soya milk and yoghurt which seems to be a bad combination- acidic plus a carbohydrate that can be broken down by saliva proteins so just because its' healthy doesn't mean it's good for teeth.

Yes I am trying to search as much as possible to make sure we do as much as we can to help. My youngest dd has a very sweet tooth and is upset that she will have to restrict her diet. I believe carrots make good natural teeth cleaner so going to do carrots and dips a lot for snacks. It’s so hard to find anything suitable- crisps get stuck in teeth, cakes are sweet, biscuits are sweet and get stuck in teeth. It seems nothing really is “good” rather what is least bad!
What on earth to have as occasional treat. Looking at savoury snacks such as fridge raiders etc maybe instead but these aren’t really healthy either although less sugar. They dont drink fizzy juice but do have orange at breakfast. I am trying to work out when best to brush teeth too. Reading up they should wait at least 30 mins after breakfast, otherwise they could be weakening enamel while brushing.

i think I will get some tooth mouse but the stuff online says for professional use only and I wasn’t sure if ok for us to use ourselves.

thanks I really appreciate your help

Also my youngest is borderline underweight and very sporty. she is permanently eating so it’s really hard to limit snacks!

Brushing- it should be very first and last thing- so before breakfast and just before bed.
Carrots are relatively high in sugar- breadsticks and hummous would be better.
Orange juice with breakfast is fine, just try to get them to drink water only, to quench thirst. Occassional treats are also fine they just don't need to be every day.
I normally just recommend moderation- it's impossible to cut all simple carbohydrates out of diets but try to avoid fruit and the obvious cakes/biscuits/sweets between meals. Sweet treats at mealtimes.
Remember your dd1 has got to 12 and your dentist hasn't said there is decay just hypoplasia so these teeth have been there for 6 years without decaying (assuming they're first molars)

Thanks . Yes first molars

Sorry to highjack post but my 11 has this too, on her molars and two front teeth. What on earth caused it? And she’s vegetarian- I wonder was there a deficiency in her diet (or should I just let that go as it’s in the past now!)

@Eloisedublin123 it's more likely to be molar incisal hypoplasia; this occurred in your last trimester or her first couple of years. Lots of theories of the cause but it's not her vegetarianism.

It’s difficult not to think about the possible reasons. I know most websites say it’s due most likely to illness during the first few years - high fevers etc. or due to antibiotics. both my children have it, so I assume maybe a genetic component. I do look for reasons what I may or may not have done and wonder if I didn’t give vitamin d supplements often enough. They both only had antibiotics once or twice. I wish the doctor had warned me and we maybe would have refused them as it was for ear infections which don’t really need them normally

but I have read it is becoming more and more common. Maybe even 1 in 6 children affected

My 9yr old Daughter has it too. Initially spotted on her first molar, but now there is some obvious colouring on one of her front incisors.
I feel sad for her. The odd class mate has asked her about it but no one has poked fun at her about it or anything.
12yr old Son not affected at all, or anyone else in the family.

My ds has this due to antibiotics I took during pregnancy and then his prematurity. The dentist has just said to keep them extra clean.

Thanks!