Hypomineralisation - What Causes Chalky Teeth? - Fernvale Dental (2024)

FAQs

What is the cause of chalky teeth? ›

Chalky teeth (sometimes referred to as hypomineralization) is caused by an insufficient quantity of minerals in the enamel. Our tooth's enamel acts as a kind of armour. When it isn't strong enough, we get what is known as "chalky teeth." Roughly 1 in 6 children experience this condition.

What is Hypomineralization? Hypomineralization is a condition where you have a decreased mineral content level in the protective enamel layer of your teeth. This can result in your teeth feeling soft and chalky. This is most often seen in children where teeth tend to break more easily.

Enamel hypoplasia occurs when the enamel of the teeth does not fully develop or develop with a decreased mineral content. This results in teeth that feel soft and chalky. While this most often occurs in children, it can also develop in adults.

It occurs due to a disturbance during tooth development, either during pregnancy or in the first two years of life. Disturbances can occur as a result of coughs, colds, or antibiotics during pregnancy, severe illness during the first two years of life, dioxins in breastmilk or for no known reason.

Certain foods like spinach or strawberries are high in oxalic acid, and when this acid combines with the calcium in your body, it might leave you with a chalky feeling in the mouth. This feeling is usually temporary and goes away if you rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash.

Chalky teeth can be a temporary side effect of eating foods high in oxalic acid such as spinach and strawberries. The simple solution is to swish water around in your mouth, or take a quick mouthwash rinse.

The main approach to treating chalky teeth (Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation) is good oral hygiene, preventative treatments such as fluoride and varnishes and early intervention if required. This is why children should have regular check-ups with their local dentist from an early age (1-2 years old).

Around 1 in 6 children are affected by chalky teeth, and here at Specialist Kids Dentist we treat this condition on a case by case basis. With careful management, the risk of dental decay and frequent breakages can be reduced.

How to restore enamel on teeth? ›

Enamel can never 'regrow' per se because there are no living cells in the tooth enamel. Your best bet is to treat any existing problems from tooth decay and focus on better oral care and hygiene habits, which will preserve the enamel you have and prevent further deterioration.

Enamel hypoplasia can be treated with a tooth colored composite resin, veneers, or a crown. Resin treatments work to improve the appearance of teeth that are affected by enamel hypoplasia and help improve the function of the teeth.

Because kids and adults alike who have enamel hypoplasia and hypomineralization often experience concerns like severe tooth sensitivity, cosmetic concerns, and frequent decay or damage, it's important that kids receive an early dental evaluation and continue to visit the dentist at six month intervals following the ...

This is especially likely if you haven't brushed your teeth in a while. These so-called “tooth sweaters” are easily remedied by brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash. If you do these things and the rough feeling doesn't go away, it may be that the enamel on your teeth has been eroded.