Enamel defect | Enamel

Enamel defect

Enamel defects are often the disease of molar incisor hypomineralization. It is usually discovered in childhood and is characterized by a disturbed enamel structure and discoloration of the teeth and the resulting brittleness. Especially incisors and molars are affected, but milk teeth are rather rare.

The diseased permanent teeth have a creamy white to yellowish color and are softer and more porous than healthy teeth. This also leads to the fact that the teeth react very sensitively to external stimuli such as hot or cold. Dental hygiene becomes a problem because it can no longer be performed without pain.

According to current studies, the cause has not yet been completely clarified. All that is known so far is that the phosphate content in the tooth enamel of diseased patients is lower than normal. If this disease is not treated, parts of the teeth can flake off under normal stress.

Then a caries develops quickly. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment is carried out by means of local fluoridation, fissure sealing, fillings or crowning of the affected teeth. However, normally developed tooth enamel can also have defects. Softening by acid, abrasion by grinding teeth or caries lesions leave structural defects.

Pain in the tooth enamel

The enamel covers the surface of the tooth crown and protects it from external influences. It is the hardest substance of the body and consists of 98% inorganic substances, the hydroxyapatite. It owes its origin to the adamantoblasts.

During the development phase, disturbances may occur, which later lead to changes in the color of the enamel. Acids attack the enamel and lead to its destruction. Fluorides can reduce the solubility of the tooth enamel.