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That’s it, a great moment has arrived in your baby’s life. His first tooth has just pierced, which marks the start of his teething. If we are to rejoice in this appearance, we must also monitor the good health of these brand new teeth. Among the anomalies that may appear, hypomineralization of molars and incisors, also called MIH, a disease that affects more and more children in France. We take stock with Cléa Lugardon, dentist, and Jona Andersen, pedodontist.
Hypomineralization, a disease that affects tooth enamel
“Hypomineralization of molars and incisors is a disease that will affect enamel of the future baby teeth of children. Generally, the mineralization of the teeth of the child will be done between the last trimester of pregnancy and the two years (a rather wide range, because the moment is different for each child). A disruption of this process can then cause an anomaly, and the teeth will appear with less or no enamel at all, which will greatly weaken them. The consequences will in particular be a much higher risk of cavities, ”summarizes Jona Andersen.
What are the causes of MIH?
” Today, 15% of children are affected by hypomineralization of molars and incisors (MIH), which is a real increase in recent decades, ”explains Jona Andersen. While the rate of affected children is increasing, the causes of this disease affecting teeth are still very unclear, ”explains Cléa Lugardon. “Among the probable causes, there are taking antibiotics by babies, or even taking medication by the mother during her pregnancy, ”explains Jona Andersen. According to the studies carried out, this disease is very widely considered to be acquired. This means that it will occur immediately when the first baby teeth appear, and not later.
How is dental hypomineralization detected in children?
There are two ways to detect a case of hypomineralization of molars and incisors in children. The first is done by a simple observation: “If you see spots of color white, yellow-brown on molars or incisors, there is a chance that MIH is the cause ”, advises Cléa Lugardon. “The other symptom that can be revealing is pain in the child when consuming hot or cold food or water. This is in fact a consequence of the weakening of the enamel of his teeth ”. If these symptoms can be detected by parents, it is nevertheless recommended to consult a dental surgeon.after the child’s first year, because this one will be the most able to make a diagnosis. The sooner hypomineralization is detected, the sooner it can be taken care of. If it is diagnosed, follow-up visits will be more frequent to carefully monitor the progress of the pathology.
How to treat a child’s MIH?
If your child has hypomineralization of the molars and incisors, the first thing to do is to put in place a prevention: “It will be necessary that the oral hygiene of the child be irreproachable. Master the technique of brushing teeth, increase the frequency to three times per day, but also to manage food as well as possible, are essential reflexes so that this one experiences MIH without constraint ”, advises Jona Andersen. Although there is no real treatment against hypomineralization of molars and incisors, specific products will also be prescribed to the child: “The dentist will provide fluoride varnish. It is a kind of paste to be applied daily to prevent the formation of cavities on the child’s teeth as much as possible. A toothpaste limiting tooth sensitivity may also be recommended. This will allow the child to be less embarrassed, when he drinks cold water for example, ”explains Cléa Lugardon.
In the long term, two cases may arise: either the hypomineralization of the molars and incisors disappears with the milk teeth, either the MIH is maintained on the permanent teeth. In the latter case, the child should be monitored regularly, for enhanced prevention of the risk of dental caries, and will continue to use specific toothpastes. a sealing of the furrows, to protect it from the risk of cavities, can also be considered by the dental surgeon.
Good deeds in case of MIH
Does your child suffer from hypomineralization of the molars and incisors? You need to ensure that he receives enhanced oral hygiene.
- Brushing teeth three times per day, with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste suitable for his age;
- No snacking during the day, nor sugary drinks.
- A Healthy eating and varied.
- benefits regular visits at the dental surgeon.