Despite the fact that they were often overlooked by parents decades ago, more parents than ever are attentive to a variety of different dental concerns and issues with their children. In fact, when parents are more proactive about their children's dental health, potentially damaging issues such as thin tooth enamel can be uncovered and addressed. Here's a look at what you need to know about thin tooth enamel and your child.
What Is Thin Tooth Enamel?
Most people understand that their teeth are covered in enamel. This applies to both your baby teeth as well as your adult teeth. That enamel is the hardest substance present in the human body, and for good reason. It protects your teeth from many environmental threats that can cause decay and damage.
When the enamel on your teeth isn't thick enough or doesn't hold up the way that it should, that is often referred to as weak or thin tooth enamel. If that's happened to your child, he or she has teeth that are more vulnerable to cracking, chipping, cavities, and more.
What Causes Thin Tooth Enamel?
There are a number of different reasons why your child might have thin tooth enamel. Sometimes, it's genetic. If you or your spouse have what may have been referred to as "soft teeth" in the past, that's a sign that your child may have thin tooth enamel as well.
Your child may also develop thin tooth enamel if they are overexposed to fluoride and acidic drinks and foods. Some of the causes can be avoided, like managing exposure to fluoride and acidic foods, but sometimes there's nothing you can do to prevent thin tooth enamel in your child.
How Can A Pediatric Dentist Treat Thin Tooth Enamel?
Treating thin tooth enamel in children requires a slightly different approach than it might with adults. That's because many times, adult teeth with thin enamel are simply reinforced with crowns or veneers. Your child may not be eligible for a treatment like this while his or her jaw bone and teeth are still developing.
Instead, your dentist may recommend a hardening sealant or bonding for your child's teeth. Once he or she reaches teen years and the jaw is fully developed, then your dentist may consider crowns or veneers.
If your child has thin tooth enamel, they are at greater risk of issues from everyday dental hazards, such as sugar. If you want to help your child keep their teeth in the best possible condition, make an appointment at a clinic, such as Dentistry For Children & Adolescents, in your area.
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