Depending on the degree of severity, your child may experience one or all of the following in the affected teeth.

• Aesthetically unappealing white, yellow or brown discolouration/ defects on tooth surface.
• Extremely sensitive teeth
• Rapid enamel wear in teeth
• Increased susceptibility to caries (Tooth decay)

The causes of MIH are still unclear. Systemic conditions and environmental insults in the first three years of the child’s life have been suspect. These may cause disruption in the process of enamel formation.

• Prenatal or perinatal illness
• Low birth weight
• Antibiotic consumption
• Poor health in the first three years of life
• Proposed genetic predisposition

Treatment will depend on the extent of enamel damage.

• Mild to moderate MIH may be treated with sealants and restorations.
• Preformed stainless steel crowns are the treatment of choice in severe MIH. They protect the tooth against chewing forces, protect enamel against acid attack and tooth decay, decrease tooth sensitivity & maintain better tooth hygiene and gum health.
• Some teeth with extensive destruction may require root canal therapy whilst rarely a tooth may need to be extracted.