Any parents with experience of amelogenesis imperfection (AI) ???

[Coldcoffeekindamorning]

DD (6 years) has just been confirmed as having Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH). We knew she had enamel problems when her adult teeth started growing in but she has developed brown spots on her front teeth. The NHS dentist told us they were decay and recommended us to attend a private dentist asap. She looked very concerned and I was worried about the wait to be referred to the dental hospital. I was really upset and was panicking about the decay happening so fast seeing as I brush her teeth twice a day, she has really healthy diet and minimal sugar.

Fast forward and the private dentist said it not actually decay but just uneven texture and colour due to Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH).

They have suggested a scale and polish, sealants on her molars (she only has 6 adult teeth - the front ones). They then suggested teeth whitening (???!!!) and icon treatment.

I honestly don't know what to do, I don't like the idea of whitening her teeth but she is very self conscious of them. Her friends have started asking her why her teeth are discoloured and she now says she hates her teeth. I had terrible acne as a teenager and I would have given anything for my parents to be able to afford a dermatologist, I still feel so self conscious about my skin 30 years later. I want to do right by my little girl and so I will absolutely pay for a private dentist but I'm not made of money, I can afford the dental treatment this time but honestly when does it end? When she is an adult? How am I supposed to pay for it all? This is just 6 teeth so far!

I plan to call the NHS dentist back to ask them to go ahead with the dental hospital referral even if it takes a year. Tbh I'm so upset they told us it was decay when it wasn't, the private dentist actually said her teeth were very clean and in good condition considering.

Can anyone offer advice or positive experiences of this as a parent? I am so upset and stressed by it all. I feel so out of my depth with not knowing anything and the private dentist wasn't very good at all at explaining things. They just fired term after term at me, assuming I knew what they were talking about while talking 100mph. I feel locked in now as I had to pay a other deposit for the clean/scale/sealants. I wonder if I've done the right thing or if I've panicked.

I feel like I'm failing my DD. I don't want her to be so self conscious at such a young age. I don't want to make the wrong decision and cause her more problems because something I've done. I just don't know what to do.

My DS also 6 has this and I was gutted when I noticed it on his brand new adult tooth and thought it was poor brushing. The dentist used the water jet on it and it damaged the tooth so that won't be happening again! He gets fluoride put on the tooth 6 monthly and dentist said she won't do anything about it until he's an adult. She also said the tooth will crumble like chalk 😭 So far just one but it's an anxious wait to see if any other teeth are affected.

I understand exactly how you feel! I could have cried when the brown appeared on his front tooth. Very regular dentist visits, keeping a really close eye and extra careful brushing is my plan.

Did the dentist say why he wouldn't touch it? Does your son not mind it showing?

Just out of curiosity did your DS have reflux as a baby or as a child?

My DS has one but it’s towards the back so not visible. It’s a golden colour. NHS dentist hasn’t suggested treating it with anything it’s just one of those things. I’ll look into it though now! He’s 12 btw

I have no idea why they won't do it until his an adult! I want it sorted now but despite asking it won't happen. He doesn't take any notice of it so it's not been an issue for him.

Reflux, yes he did have it but dentist said it was likely caused by trauma or infection before 1. How true that is, because I can't think of anything that happened to him as a baby or young child, I have no idea

My 16yo twins have this quite severely. They are now under a dental hospital. Aesthetics is obviously a huge issue at their age - from 13 their lovely dentist put white filling over the fronts which has helped with that. But yes these teeth are weak 😢 So many cavities and breaks despite good care. The molars are actually worse although obviously the girls at this age care more about the looks of the front ones. Various different discussions are currently happening including crowns and ultimately veneers and replacements. It was caused due to pregnancy issues and premature birth so while it’s not nice for them at all we tend to view it that it’s a miracle they are both alive and otherwise ok today.

i have 2 with this and no obvious cause during pregnancy. Our nhs dentist refused to do any aesthetics until age 17 when we were able to pay for whitening for one and will do for the other. Teeth had sealants applied every 6 months. No referrals to hospital but we've been lucky and apart from teeth being yellow the adult ones have generally been stronger than the baby teeth. Both have had braces too without major issues.