Why do Some People Have Thin Natural Tooth Enamel? Causes

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is a translucent layer of protection that protects the fragile inner parts of your teeth from chewing, extreme temperatures and harmful bacteria. Whilst most people will have strong enamel, it can be a genetic condition for some people to have thin or fragile enamel.

Once your teeth have formed within your gums, your body has no way to create new enamel. As enamel is created during development, dentists consider it a sensitive process that will only happen once. Knowing why some people have thin natural enamel will help you protect your fragile teeth, choose the correct dental treatments and keep your teeth healthy throughout your life.

What Is Tooth Enamel?

Your tooth enamel is almost completely made up of hard minerals. These are laid down by special cells within your teeth called ameloblasts.

Ameloblasts work very hard during your early years to create thick layers of minerals. However, once your teeth have erupted through your gums these cells die completely.

As your ameloblasts die after your teeth erupt, your body cannot create any new natural enamel.

Thick enamel helps to protect your teeth by providing insulation to the dentin layer and nerve chamber within your teeth from temperature changes and acidic environments.

Thin enamel will allow the yellow colored dentin to show through more so your teeth will appear to be a more natural darker color.

What Genetic Conditions Can Cause Thin Enamel?

Your genetic make-up will directly impact how your enamel is created. Certain genetic mutations will impact the creation of enamel.

• Amelogenesis Imperfect – a rare genetic condition that impacts the creation of enamel matrix. Those with this condition will have extremely thin, soft, pitted and grooved enamel on all their primary and permanent teeth.

• Ectodermal Dysplasias – A group of genetic conditions that can impact your skin, hair, nails and teeth. Many children will have thin enamel, irregularly shaped teeth or missing permanent teeth.

• Mineralisation issues – Certain genetic variations will impact how your body deals with calcium and phosphates which will result in thin enamel on the outside of teeth.

Overall thickness, size and density of enamel will be impacted by general genetic issues, just like eye color and height.

How Can Pre-Natal and Maternal Health Issues Affect Enamel?

The creation of enamel on baby teeth and early permanent molars happens in-utero. Your mothers health whilst pregnant will have an impact on how the enamel matrix is created.

• Vitamin deficiency – If your mother had a severe deficiency in vitamins D, Calcium or Protein during pregnancy, your developing tooth buds would have less minerals to create enamel.

• Illness – High temperatures, severe viral infections or untreated metabolic conditions can impact the creation of enamel matrix.

• Premature Birth – If your baby was born early, they may not have received enough minerals during the third trimester of pregnancy. This can cause thin or faulty enamel.

• Labor issues – If your baby experienced a lack of oxygen for long periods or trauma during labor this can impact the ameloblasts.

How Can Early Childhood Illness Affect Tooth Enamel?

Your permanent teeth start to develop under your baby teeth during early childhood. Common childhood illnesses can cause permanent damage to the enamel.

• High Temperatures – Having high temperatures due to illness such as measles, chicken pox or strep throat will cause your active ameloblasts to become inactive. This will leave thin lines on your developing teeth.

• Malnutrition – Having a severe deficiency in key vitamins (A, C, D) and Calcium during early childhood will cause issues with your enamel.

• Gastrointestinal issues – If you suffer from conditions such as Coeliac disease or severe malabsorption, your young child will not be able to absorb the required minerals from foods.

• Fluorosis – Swallowing large amounts of fluoride during early childhood can cause issues with the enamel matrix. This can result in pitting and porous enamel.

How Can Medications and Environmental Factors Cause Thin Enamel?

Certain medications and environmental factors during early childhood can cause natural thin enamel.

• Medication – Taking certain medications such as amoxicillin or tetracycline during infancy can cause issues with enamel.

• Cancer Treatments – During cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, your child’s cells will be inactive so no matrix will be created.

• Environmental Toxins – Exposure to toxins such as lead, BPA or heavy metals during early childhood can cause issues with the ameloblasts.

• Kidney / Liver Issues – Chronic issues with your organs during childhood can cause issues with minerals in your body. This will prevent your enamel from hardening.

What Are the Signs Of Natural Thin Enamel?

If you notice signs of thin enamel, your dentist will be able to help protect your teeth from causing too much damage.

• Sensitivity – If your teeth feel sore when drinking hot items such as coffee, cold items such as water or sweet items this means your enamel is thin.

• Translucent – The biting edges of your front teeth will look clear, blue or translucent.

• Yellow – Your enamel will be thin meaning the dark yellow dentin is prominent.

• Pitting – You will notice pitting on your teeth.

• Brittle – Your teeth will easily chip, break and wear down.

What Treatments And Protection Are Available for Thin Enamel?

Whilst you cannot grow your enamel, there are many evidence based treatments available to help strengthen your teeth, reduce pain and prevent decay.

• Fluoride Application – Your dentist can apply a high concentration of fluoride varnish to remineralise your weak enamel.

• Sealants – A thin layer of resin can be applied to the chewing surface of your back molars to prevent bacteria and food getting into your thin pitted enamel.

• Bonding – Composite resin can be applied to your teeth to cover the dentin, smooth out rough areas and give your teeth a natural look.

• Crowns – If your teeth are badly damaged your dentist can fit a strong crown made from ceramic or porcelain to fully cover your teeth.

• Night guard – A bespoke night guard can be worn to prevent bruxism.

What Everyday Tips Can Help Protect Thin Enamel?

There are many ways to help protect your natural thin enamel.

• Soft Bristle Toothbrush – Always use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently clean your teeth.

• Low Abrasive Toothpaste – Do not use high abrasive whitening toothpastes. Look for toothpastes that mineralizes containing fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite.

• Avoid Acidic Foods – Avoid drinking fizzy drinks, eating citrus fruits, vinegar dressings and sports drinks.

• Rinse With Water – Rinse with water after eating.

• Wait 30 Minutes – Wait 30 minutes after eating acidic foods before brushing your teeth.

What Are the Top Tips for Protecting Thin Enamel?

• Speak to your dentist to find out whether your enamel is thin due to genetic issues, early health issues or acid.

• Visit your dentist every 6 months for check ups.

• Regularly use fluoride varnishes or mineralising gels.

• Brush your teeth gently twice a day using a soft bristle toothbrush and low abrasive fluoridated toothpaste.

• Floss daily using gentle sliding motions.

• Wear a bespoke night guard if you suffer from bruxism.

• Don’t use your teeth as tools.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Thin Enamel?

Can Natural Thin Enamel Grow?

Unfortunately natural thin enamel cannot grow. Enamel is created by living ameloblasts before your teeth erupt. Once your teeth have entered your mouth these cells die. However, you can strengthen your remaining enamel by using professional fluoride treatments and toothpastes containing calcium and phosphate.

How Do I Know If My Enamel Is Thin Due to Genetics or Acid?

If your enamel is thin due to genetics it will usually be thin on all your teeth and will often be very grooved, translucent or pitted. If your enamel is thin due to acid it will usually be on certain areas of your teeth and will be smooth and cupped.

Is Thin Enamel a Sign of Bad Hygiene?

No, natural thin enamel is not a sign of bad hygiene. It is caused by genetic mutations, maternal health issues, early childhood temperatures and treatments.

What Toothpaste Is Best for Natural Thin Enamel?

The best toothpastes for natural thin enamel contain fluoride, stannous fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite. Look for low abrasive toothpastes for sensitive teeth. Avoid harsh whitening toothpastes containing gritty particles.

Natural thin enamel can be caused by a combination of genetic issues, maternal health, early childhood illness and environmental factors. As enamel cannot grow once lost it is important to identify thin enamel early. By working with your dentist, using evidence based preventative treatments, applying topical minerals and gently caring for your teeth you can protect your natural teeth and keep your teeth healthy and functioning for life.