Privacy Statement Enamel hypoplasia My 7 year old daughter has enamel hypoplasia in her permanent teeth. I will appreciate any advice. Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. Dear Johany, Enamel hypoplasia is an enamel defect resulting from incomplete formation of the enamel matrix due to a problem with the ameloblasts.
Ameloblasts are cells which participate in the formation of enamel.
Enamel hypoplasia is usually due to illness or injury during tooth formation or due to a genetic disorder. When the enamel is affected in this manner, the teeth are weakened. The genetic forms of enamel hypoplasia are generally considered to be types of amelogenesis imperfecta. In some forms of this defect, the enamel chips away easily. Fluoride treatment normally is most successful when enamel is present.