Author Name: Dr. Sandra Thompson
The Turner's tooth, or Turner's hypoplasia, often refers to a permanent tooth where the enamel is affected by an abnormality that has occurred in the baby tooth that came earlier.
Permanent teeth develop under the gum line while the child still has his primary teeth. In some cases, due to its proximity to the roots of a baby tooth, an injury or an infection might interfere with the enamel development.
The sequence may be:
The defect may appear as discoloration, pits, grooves, thin enamel, or an irregular surface. Parents can learn more about tooth enamel in children and how enamel protects developing teeth.
Not every damaged or infected baby tooth causes Turner’s tooth.
Sometimes.
When there is forceful trauma to a primary tooth, it may be displaced or pushed against the underlying permanent tooth. In some cases, trauma to the primary tooth when enamel is being formed may affect its formation.
For instance, if a child gets injured on a primary incisor while falling, the permanent incisor which erupts years later will have either a white/brown mark, a groove, or even malformed enamel. Parents can also read more about dental trauma in children.
The risk depends on factors such as:
Many baby-tooth injuries do not affect the permanent teeth.
Yes, in some cases.
Tooth decay that affects a baby tooth severely can eventually lead to an infection of the root. With the permanent tooth forming in close proximity to the baby tooth, any serious infection or inflammation could impede the development of enamel.
The enamel abnormality may not be detected until the permanent tooth comes into place.
This explains why a child dentist asks whether there have been any abscesses, tooth decay, or infections in the baby teeth during an examination of the permanent tooth. Parents can learn more about the symptoms and treatment of a tooth abscess in children.
Parents may notice that one newly erupted permanent tooth looks different from nearby teeth.
Possible signs include:
Turner’s tooth often affects one localized area or one permanent tooth rather than many teeth.
Appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. Dental fluorosis, other enamel defects, staining, trauma, and cavities can produce similar changes.
This may be possible, depending on the extent of damage to the enamel.
In a mild condition, there will be no signs at all. However, if the enamel is thin or weak, the child will suffer from sensitivity in drinking cold drinks or eating cold food.
There might also be pits or rough surfaces that could trap food particles and plaque.
Damaged or weak enamel can lead to:
It can, depending on how much enamel is affected.
A mild defect may cause no symptoms. If the enamel is thin or weak, a child may experience sensitivity when drinking cold beverages, eating cold foods, or brushing.
Pits and rough surfaces may also trap plaque and food, making the area harder to clean.
Weakened enamel can increase the risk of:
A small area of discoloration may need very different care from a tooth with deep pits or significant enamel loss.
A dentist for kids may examine:
The dentist might inquire about prior falls, mouth injuries, extensive cavities, abscesses, or treatments on the primary tooth which once occupied that spot as well.
It may be recommended to take dental x-rays in case further information is required about the tooth, its roots, decay, and neighboring structures.
Not always.
A small, stable enamel defect without sensitivity or decay may only need monitoring during routine dental visits.
Treatment for more vulnerable teeth may include:
The suitable management is dependent on the extent of the problem, presence of normal enamel, sensitivity level, risk of cavities, site of the tooth, and age of the child.
An enamel that hasn’t formed properly cannot be regrown; however, dental management is important to preserve the existing teeth structure.
If a permanent tooth erupts with unusual discoloration, pits, grooves, or rough enamel:
Schedule an evaluation if a newly erupted permanent tooth has:
Parents do not need to wait until the tooth becomes painful. Early evaluation can determine whether the tooth needs monitoring, preventive protection, or restorative treatment. Families can also learn more about pediatric dental care for developing teeth available through Desert Kids Dental.
Parents who notice unusual enamel changes, sensitivity, or concerns about a newly erupted permanent tooth can contact Desert Kids Dental to arrange an evaluation.
Yes. Turner’s tooth generally refers to a permanent tooth that developed an enamel defect before it erupted.
No. Many children injure baby teeth without developing any problem in the permanent tooth underneath.
The abnormal enamel cannot regenerate, but fluoride, sealants, bonding, or restorations may help protect the tooth and improve its function or appearance.
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