Chalk teeth: dentists warn of a new disease that causes the teeth to crumble

Everyone knows about tooth decay, but many have not heard of so-called chalk teeth. In the meantime, the disease is being prepared as caries.

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Dentists warn of so-called chalk teeth in children. In this disease, the molars, but also the front teeth, sensitive to heat, cold or chemical stimuli.

"Chalk teeth" – What is MIH?

Inzisive molar hypomineralization (MIH) was first described in 1987. It is a structural change in teeth in which the enamel does not develop properly.

The big problem is that chalk teeth are not caused by poor oral hygiene. The teeth become damaged.

How do you feel the chalk teeth?

In the disease, the molars, but also the front teeth, are sensitive to heat, cold or chemical stimuli.

The teeth have a rough surface and are striated – which promotes tooth decay, report dentists in Berlin.

Children would have trouble drinking, eating and brushing their teeth. The causes are disorders of enamel mineralization, explained the German Society of Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DGZMK). The important thing is a quick visit to the dentist.

Which age groups are affected?

According to the president of the German Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Norbert Krämer, about 10 to 15% of children on average suffer from chalk teeth.

A new study has even been detected in 30% of children under twelve. The chalk teeth should therefore be described as new widespread disease, said Krämer.

What are the causes of chalk teeth?

According to medical associations, the first dental trauma was recorded in the fetus during the eighth month of pregnancy.

Currently, various causes are discussed. These would include pregnancy problems, infectious diseases, antibiotics, chicken pox, dioxin and upper respiratory tract disorders.

In animal experiments, a relationship between the bisphenol-A plasticizer and the chalk teeth was detected. The precise cause is considered unexplained, write the associations.

How can you prevent chalk teeth?

Unfortunately no. On the one hand, because the disease has not yet been the subject of sufficient research, on the other hand, chalk teeth develop during development, c & # 39; that is, between the eighth month of pregnancy and the fourth year of life.

How are the chalk teeth treated?

Particularly intensive prophylaxis can effectively protect the chalk teeth from cavities. According to the DGZMK, the yellowish-white to yellow-brown surface may be on the bumps of each tooth or on the entire surface of the tooth.

The teeth partially break. Regular visits to the dentist, home cleaning with fluoride toothpaste, fluoride varnish treatments, and broken teeth may help to maintain them.

The checks at the dentist are especially important for children with MIH because it is only while the teeth can be treated with care throughout life.

(DPA / dag)