If you have ever been to the dentist, you’ve probably heard of cavities. But what about hypoplastic teeth? Hypoplastic teeth are teeth that are smaller than normal. This can be due to several things, including an injury, genetics, or poor dental hygiene.
While bacteria cause cavities, hypoplastic teeth do not. They can cause several problems, including pain, difficulty eating, and problems with your appearance. If you have hypoplastic teeth, it is important to see a dentist so they can determine the best course of treatment.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for hypoplastic teeth, but several options can help improve your oral health. Here is everything you need to know about this dental condition.
Causes of Hypoplastic Teeth
There are many possible causes of hypoplastic teeth, including:
- Dental fluorosis: This condition results from exposure to too much fluoride during tooth development. It can cause the enamel to be abnormally thin and poorly mineralized, leading to this dental condition.
- Amelogenesis imperfecta: This is a genetic disorder that affects the way tooth enamel develops. It can cause the enamel to be thinner than normal or have an abnormal structure.
- Enamel hypocalcification occurs when there is insufficient calcium in the enamel during tooth development.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Problems with your digestive system that affect calcium absorption during tooth development can cause hypoplastic teeth. Examples include celiac disease, vitamin D deficiency and cow’s milk protein intolerance.
Signs and Symptoms
There are a few signs and symptoms that may indicate you have this dental disorder. These include:
- Small, misshapen teeth
- Fewer teeth than normal
- Unusual spacing between teeth
- Teeth that appear transparent or unusually white
- Irregularly shaped gum line
- Delayed tooth eruption
- Increased risk of cavities and tooth decay
Treatment Options
There are a few treatment options available for this dental condition, including.
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding is another way for patients to improve their appearance. The dentist will cover the gap between two teeth with a plastic-like material which will then harden over time to provide protection against further decay and strengthen the tooth surface.
- Removable partial dentures: Dental implants can be very helpful for replacing hypoplastic teeth. A removable partial denture is an option for patients who want to replace multiple missing teeth but don’t want dental implants. This solution requires a lot of maintenance and care, but it offers similar aesthetic results to a full denture while saving you time and money by avoiding both extractions and dental implants.
If you suffer from hypoplastic teeth and want to have the condition taken care of, contact your dentist today for a consultation. They will provide you with all the details so you can make the best decision.