Dangers to dental health Chalk teeth a stronger problem than previously thought

Molar incisive hypomineralization overtakes tooth decay

Already 30 percent of 12-year-olds are affected by the so-called molar incisional hypomineralization (MIH). In children and adolescents in terms of frequency of this tooth disease has already overtaken caries and is thus regarded as a common disease. Despite massive prevalence, there is much uncertainty about this condition, which suggests that dietary plasticisers may be the cause. With proper prophylaxis, MIH affected teeth can last a lifetime.

In a press conference of the German Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DGZMK) Prof. Dr. med. Norbert Krämer recently presented the latest distribution figures and treatment options for MIH. Krämer warns that MIH has undergone a rapid development. Since its first appearance in 1987, dental disease has developed into a veritable widespread disease. On average, ten to 15 percent of children suffer from tooth disease. According to the German Oral Health Study DMS V even twelve percent of the twelve year olds are affected.

White-yellowish or yellow-brown spots or areas on the teeth may indicate MIH. Often, sufferers complain of pain when drinking, eating or brushing their teeth. (Photo: Subbotina Anna / fotolia.com)

Chalk Teeth - What is MIH?

Discolored and crumbling children's teeth need not be caries. MIH is a systemic disorder that affects the structure of the enamel. Disruption of mineralization causes structural anomaly. The permanent molars, the so-called molars, are often affected. The diseased teeth are then popularly referred to as "chalk teeth", which is due to the increased sensitivity to pain and reduced strength. In addition, such teeth are very sensitive to heat, cold and external influences such as brushing teeth.

Plasticizers are suspected as a cause

Plastics softeners such as bisphenol A are suspected to cause this disease. They are present in numerous foods. In animal experiments, the connection could already be demonstrated. According to Krämer, further potential causes of MIH are pregnancies, infectious diseases, antibiotics, chickenpox, dioxin and respiratory diseases. However, the exact causes are currently considered insufficiently scientifically understood.

Proper prophylaxis can protect you

MIH affected teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay. With the right prophylaxis, the preservation of such teeth can still be secured. At the press conference, Prof. dr. Stefan Zimmer, President of the German Society for Preventive Dentistry, states that MIH teeth have a rougher surface and a lower quality of the substance. This results in a particular susceptibility to tooth decay. Therefore, beyond the brushing of teeth, a particularly intensive prophylaxis must be carried out to protect the teeth from caries, so that a radiant smile can be maintained through proper dental care.

fluoridation

Professor Zimmer recommends in particular fluoridation measures, which should be carried out both at the dentist and at home, as a suitable prophylaxis. Regular check-ups with the dentist, treatment with fluoride varnish and the construction of the teeth with different techniques can, according to Zimmer, help to preserve MIH-affected teeth with good care for a lifetime.

Different expression

Clinically, the different manifestations of MIH diseased teeth. While in some patients only individual cusps of the teeth are affected, the mineralization disorder in others extends over the entire tooth surface. In the mild form show often white-yellowish or yellow-brown areas to brown spots on the teeth. In the severe form also show splintered or missing enamel or even a broken tooth.

Note first signs

Affected patients often complain of pain when drinking, eating and brushing their teeth. Especially for young patients, this quickly becomes an ordeal. The experts advise in such a case for a rapid therapeutic intervention. (Vb)