The most common tooth problem is tooth decay. Therefore, most people assume that tooth decay is the only reason why tooth decay can occur. But in fact, there are diseases that do not have a carious nature, in which damage and destruction of teeth occurs not under the influence of environmental factors, but because of the peculiarities of their structure.
Such problems include hypoplasia of tooth enamel. This disease carries a serious danger, and tooth damage caused by this disease cannot be treated or completely repaired. However, timely identification of the problem can significantly change the situation. Accordingly, it is very important to detect the disease at its early stage, and also to establish the reasons why it arose. In this, the dentists are helped by symptoms, as well as various kinds of diagnostics.
The concept of hypoplasia
The enamel layer that covers the tooth of a healthy person has a fairly strong structure, because its main purpose is to protect the internal structures of the tooth from the negative effects of the external environment. However, situations are possible in which the problem arises due to internal problems in the body. For example, tooth enamel hypoplasia is a disease due to which all tooth tissues without exception can suffer .
The most common variant of the disease is tooth enamel hypoplasia. When this disease occurs, tooth injuries are non-carious in nature. The causes of hypoplasia are considered abnormalities that arose during the formation and formation of enamel. As a result of such a pathology, the enamel layer is thinning, and the pathology can have a different form of severity.
Types of Hypoplasia
Dentists note that enamel damage with a mild form of hypoplasia can be minimal, but the disease also has a severe form. In this case, the tooth does not have a protective layer at all. This form is called aplasia.
The development of this disease can begin at any age. Despite the fact that tooth enamel hypoplasia is most common in children who still have milk teeth, there is no guarantee that the same symptoms will not occur in an adult.
If we adhere to the basic classification, then the disease can be conditionally divided into two types - systemic hypoplasia and local hypoplasia. When a systemic form of the disease occurs, the greatest threat appears, since in this case the entire enamel layer of the tooth is affected. The systemic form of hypoplasia in serious condition implies not so much a thinning of the enamel layer, but its serious underdevelopment, which manifests itself in the form of the formation of waves, grooves and dots. Hypoplasia in local form often affects molars, which underwent any damage at the stage of formation.
Hypoplasia of tooth enamel is a rather serious problem, as a result of it there is a general weakness of the tooth and its protective layer, which, in turn, is a favorable environment for the occurrence of other pathologies and diseases.
Causes of occurrence
Currently, doctors adhere to two basic theories regarding the nature of the occurrence of hypoplasia. The first group of specialists believes that the beginning of the process that destroys enamel can be triggered by disturbances in mineralization. Another group of specialists is of the opinion that such a cause is not unique, and the slowed down function of epithelial cells in the tooth embryo is also affected by the development of hypoplasia. However, it is worth noting that, along with physiological reasons, other factors are also of great importance, in which a favorable environment and conditions are created for the further development of enamel hypoplasia of permanent teeth.
Diseases of deciduous teeth
Due to the fact that the formation of milk teeth occurs at the stage of intrauterine development of the baby, their general condition largely depends on how the pregnancy proceeded, as well as on the state of health of the mother of the child.
The following factors can influence the development of hypoplasia of enamel of deciduous teeth in a baby during its development in the womb and during childbirth:
- digestive system diseases in the mother;
- infectious diseases that were transmitted by the mother during pregnancy;
- deviations in the fetal position;
- congenital diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- the influence of factors such as chemicals or hazardous temperatures;
- artificial feeding of the child;
- prematurity. Experts are of the opinion that the latter reason has gained relevance not so long ago and caused an increase in the number of children suffering from hypoplasia. The situation is such that modern technologies make it possible to look after even too premature babies, but such children have not yet completed the processes of tissue and organ development properly. In this regard, premature babies and subsequently suffer from hypoplasia of enamel of milk teeth, since there was a violation of the process of its formation, or it was completely interrupted;
- water shortage;
- severe toxicosis;
- traumatic injuries. They can also include injuries sustained during childbirth;
- bad habits during pregnancy.
All these factors cause hypoplasia of enamel of deciduous teeth in a child at an early age.
Pathology of molars
Such a pathology can begin to develop at an early age, in the first years of a child's life. The formation and development of molars of molars begins to occur at about six months of age. Therefore, it is logical to assume that a violation of the state of health at this age can provoke a process of impaired development of tooth enamel. In this regard, molar hypoplasia can often be detected in those people who suffered diseases such as:
- severe forms of infectious diseases;
- rickets;
- kidney disease, as well as abnormalities in the endocrine system;
- syphilis;
- serious disturbances in the digestive system;
- iron deficiency anemia;
- brain dysfunction.
Hypoplasia of tooth enamel will develop and appear on the molars, depending on how old the child suffered a disease. For example, if the disease was transferred to the initial stages of life, then tooth enamel damage can be observed along the edges of the central incisors and the first large permanent teeth. A disease in the ninth month of life can cause enamel damage on the incisors of the second and third order on both sides, as well as on the central incisors and large chewing in the area of their crown.
Symptoms of Hypoplasia
Diagnosis of this disease is not a complicated procedure for a competent specialist, because specific symptoms are inherent in him. But patients should still independently monitor the condition of the enamel of their teeth. Only this will allow timely detection of the problem at the stage of its early development.
Systemic form of hypoplasia
As we have already noted, the systemic form of the disease can manifest itself in various degrees of severity. So, with the appearance of a mild form, a partial change in the color of the tooth enamel is observed - on its surface yellowish sections are formed that have clearly defined boundaries. Such defects can be seen in the photo with tooth enamel hypoplasia. The specificity of this form lies in the fact that lesions in the form of spots are exactly the same size and are located symmetrically - on the same teeth on two sides of the jaw. Most often, this form of the disease affects the front side of the teeth, therefore, if due attention is paid to the condition of your teeth, then the development of the disease at an early stage is absolutely not difficult to notice. With this form of hypoplasia, pain is not felt, and the thickness of the tooth enamel on the affected and healthy areas of the tooth is the same.
With the second degree of complexity, tooth enamel is underdeveloped, which can be characterized by the appearance of changes of a different kind. The wave-like pattern can be identified visually and in the absence of additional devices. If the tooth is dried, then small rollers will be visible on its entire surface. Another manifestation is the grooves - they, as a rule, have a single arrangement and are located across the tooth. Along with wavy manifestations, grooves are located alternately with healthy areas of tooth enamel. The most common third type of manifestation is point. In this case, recesses are located over the entire surface of the tooth, which eventually change their color to darker. Therefore, it is necessary to detect and start treatment of tooth enamel hypoplasia in children on time.
Aplasia
The most dangerous stage of hypoplasia is aplasia, that is, a form in which tooth enamel is completely absent. Such a manifestation may be localized in a specific area of the tooth or may affect the entire tooth. With this form, significant pain is observed that occurs as a reaction to environmental stimuli. A specific characteristic is that the painful sensation disappears immediately after the external influence on the tooth has been stopped.
Local form
The main sign of the local form of enamel hypoplasia of permanent teeth in children and adults is the process of the appearance of spots on the surface of the enamel coating, which can have a different color. The shades of such spots can range from pale yellow to dark brown. Such damage to tooth enamel is manifested by the formation of point-like depressions that are ubiquitous over the entire surface. It is worth noting that this form can only appear on molars.
Diagnosis of hypoplasia
Hypoplasia of tooth enamel is inherited as a dominant trait linked to the X chromosome. As a rule, the diagnosis of hypoplasia does not cause difficulties for dentists due to the fact that the disease has visual symptoms, which can be easily noticed. The main task of the dentist is to differentiate hypoplasia from carious lesions. In order to perform such an examination, doctors use three main methods:
- visual assessment of the enamel surface. With carious manifestations, the tooth enamel has a rough surface, and with hypoplasia it remains smooth;
- assessment of the number of spots (multiple manifestations are characteristic of hypoplasia);
- staining of the affected areas of enamel with a solution of methylene blue. The spots characteristic of hypoplasia are not stained with this solution, in contrast to carious lesions.
Treatment of permanent tooth enamel hypoplasia
The method of treatment of the disease depends on the clinical manifestations, that is, on the form and severity of the pathology, as well as on the nature of the changes.
If hypoplasia is manifested by the appearance of bright spots on the enamel in small quantities, which are located on such parts of the teeth that are not too visible, treatment of this manifestation is optional.
In the event that the spots are located on the front surface of the incisors and are noticeable, the defect can be eliminated. Unfortunately, it is not possible to restore the affected enamel, so the doctor can use various filling materials, as well as veneers or crowns.
What to do if hypoplasia in the form of grooves and stripes?
If the disease manifests itself in the form of grooves, grooves or strips, then filling the tooth in the classical scenario may be effective.
If the teeth restored in this way are treated with care, they will be functional and aesthetic for a sufficiently long period.
Veneers are plates that the dentist attaches to the outer surface of the tooth. This type of crowns has an impeccable appearance, however, the inner side of the teeth still has a not very attractive appearance. But due to its invisibility, veneers can be an excellent solution in the treatment of hypoplasia.
If the tooth has a sufficiently changed shape, formed as a result of pathology, then dentists tend to use orthopedic crowns. Installing such a crown is a rather complicated job. Therefore, if there is an alternative opportunity to restore the aesthetic appearance of the teeth, then you should wait a while with the installation of an orthopedic crown.