Episode #45: What Is Enamel Hypoplasia?

Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

Hearing that your child has enamel hypoplasia can be incredibly distressing, for both the parent and the dentist! Today Dr. B talks to us about what enamel hypoplasia means, why dentists start sweating when they see it, and why it isn’t your fault as a parent. We hear how to identify enamel hypoplasia, and the tools you will need to keep an eye on it, as well as the potential outcomes of leaving it untreated. Dr. B discusses the various causes of enamel hypoplasia commonly listed in textbooks, and the causes that he and Dr. Staci Whitman have observed that are not yet included in mainstream dental education. We hear advice on how you can best avoid it, from adjusting your peri-natal diet to maintaining a stress-free pregnancy and avoiding fluoride. Find out how enamel hypoplasia should be treated, and the questions to ask your dentist to be sure they are doing the right thing. We look forward to having you join us!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The topic that strikes fear into the heart of dentists [0:00:10]
• Why it’s important for a patient to understand why dentists fear hypoplasia [0:01:35]
• Today’s question: Does Dr. B have any suggestions to improve or reverse enamel hypoplasia? [0:02:43]
• Some background on enamel hyperplasia and what it is [0:03:06]
• What the signs are of enamel hypoplasia [0:04:40]
• Why it can sometimes be difficult to detect enamel hypoplasia: when it occurs below the gumline [0:06:40]
• The negative outcomes of having enamel hypoplasia [0:07:52]
• The causes of enamel hypoplasia: what the textbooks say [0:08:09]
• The causes of enamel hypoplasia that Dr. B and Dr. Staci have observed, that aren’t yet in the textbooks [0:13:16]
• Dr. B’s thoughts on fluoride and its impact on tooth development [0:15:04]
• The difference between fluorosis and hypoplasia [0:15:53]
• Another explanation for enamel hypoplasia: rickets and a vitamin D deficiency [0:16:40]
• Why Dr. B always asks parents if the child had a high fever prior to the discovery of hypoplasia [0:17:32]
• The take-home message from today’s episode: don’t feel bad, it’s not your fault, and it can be treated [0:18:14]
• How to check on your kid’s teeth [0:19:25]
• Dr. B’s advice for women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant [0:19:52]
• Why you can't usually reverse enamel hypoplasia and tips on how to prevent it worsening [0:20:17]
• The oral-systemic connection: how enamel hypoplasia is a prime example of this [0:22:33]

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Staci Whitman on the Functional Dentist Directory

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