Chalky teeth (MIH)
Chalky teeth are teeth and molars with porous enamel that turns yellow-brown. Dentists call this condition molar incisor hypomineralisation, or MIH for short. MIH affects 10 to 15 per cent of Dutch children in the permanent teeth and 5 to 10 per cent in the baby teeth. At Loef Mondzorg in Rotterdam, we assess how severely the enamel is affected and protect the affected molars.
Causes of chalky molars
The cause of chalky teeth has not yet been established. A combination of illness, high fever, medication and possibly also diet or air pollution is often suggested. Enamel forms in the baby teeth from the second half of pregnancy until the first year of life, and in the permanent teeth during the first four years of life. Because the enamel-forming cells temporarily stop and later restart, soft and porous areas remain.
Chalky molars develop at the moment the molars are formed. For baby teeth, this is the second half of pregnancy and the first year of life. For permanent teeth, it is the child’s first four years. The discolouration is therefore already present when the molar erupts.
In chalky molars, enamel formation is disrupted. The cells that form the enamel briefly stop producing enamel and later continue. Why this happens and exactly what takes place is not yet clear; research should soon provide more clarity. However, if you have been ill, had a fever and taken medication (especially antibiotics), this may be a reason why enamel formation was disrupted.
Chalky teeth, chalky molars or MIH?
Chalky teeth, chalky molars and cheese molars describe the same condition. Chalky molars refer to the first permanent molars, while chalky teeth also include the front teeth. In the professional literature the condition is called molar incisor hypomineralisation. Hypomineralisation means that the enamel contains too few minerals, making the tooth softer than healthy enamel.
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How common is it?
Chalky molars occur in the baby teeth of 5 to 10 per cent of Dutch children; in the permanent teeth this applies to 10 to 15 per cent of children.
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Symptoms of chalky molars
You can recognise chalky teeth by yellow-brown or white spots on the molar and by sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet or sour food. The enamel is softer, so pieces break off and cavities develop more quickly. Brushing is sometimes painful, so children skip the affected molar and more plaque remains.
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Is it harmful?
That depends on the severity of the condition. Some children have molars with coloured spots but no other problems, and some only suffer from sensitivity. But there are also children whose molar is largely chalky in colour. In that case, pieces can break off and cavities develop more quickly.
Treatment of chalky teeth
Treatment depends on the severity. For mild spots, we apply fluoride and protect the molar with a sealant. If pieces break off, we restore the molar with a filling. For severely affected molars we place a crown, so your child can eat and chew without pain. We check these molars more often than usual and explain to your child how to keep the sensitive areas clean.
Curing or preventing chalky molars
Chalky molars cannot be prevented, not even by brushing very well. However, the sensitivity of the molar can be reduced by using toothpaste for sensitive teeth or by having the dentist apply fluoride to the molar.
Limiting damage from chalky molars
It is important to prevent cavities from forming in the chalky molar or pieces breaking off as much as possible. Good brushing helps prevent cavities in the chalky molar. We can also apply fluoride to the molars.
How much does this treatment cost?
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Frequently asked questions about chalky teeth
What are chalky teeth?
Chalky teeth are teeth and molars with porous enamel that has a yellow-brown colour. Dentists call this molar incisor hypomineralisation, or MIH. The name refers to the colour of the affected areas.
What is the difference between chalky teeth and chalky molars?
Medically there is no difference. Chalky molars refer to the first permanent molars, while chalky teeth also include the front teeth. With MIH, both forms occur together.
How common are chalky teeth in the Netherlands?
5 to 10 per cent of Dutch children have chalky teeth in their baby teeth. In the permanent teeth this rises to 10 to 15 per cent. The condition develops while the enamel is being formed, so the discolouration is already visible as soon as the tooth erupts.
What causes chalky teeth?
The exact cause is unknown. Researchers point to a combination of illness, high fever, medication and possibly also diet or air pollution. In chalky teeth, enamel formation temporarily stops and later restarts, leaving weak areas behind.
Are chalky teeth sensitive?
Often, yes. The affected molars are sensitive to hot, cold, sweet or sour food and drinks. Fluoride applied by our dentist and toothpaste for sensitive teeth reduce that sensitivity.
How can you prevent chalky teeth?
Chalky teeth develop while the enamel is being formed, so brushing cannot prevent them. Good oral hygiene does limit the damage: careful daily brushing keeps cavities away and fewer pieces of enamel break off.
How does the dentist treat chalky teeth?
Treatment depends on the severity. For mild spots, we apply fluoride and monitor the molar closely. For larger weak areas, we restore the molar with a filling or place a crown, so your child can eat and chew without pain.
Does insurance cover the treatment of chalky teeth?
For children under 18, basic health insurance covers standard dental care, such as check-ups and fillings. Crowns and braces are not included. Please contact your health insurer about your own situation.
Getting here
Loef Mondzorg
Our dental practice at Weena 91 is easy to reach, right in the centre of Rotterdam and within walking distance of Rotterdam Central Station. Thanks to this central location, the practice is easily accessible by public transport: several train, metro, tram and bus lines stop close to the Weena, including metro lines B, D and E. From Rotterdam Central Station you will be at the practice within a few minutes, making it ideal for residents of Rotterdam as well as patients from surrounding towns.
The practice is also easy to reach by car via the main roads into the city centre, with parking facilities nearby. This means Loef Mondzorg combines a central location with excellent accessibility, both by public transport and by car.
Rotterdam City Centre location
- Weena 91, 3013 CH Rotterdam
- 010 200 4815
- info@loefmondzorg.nl
- KVK 82679282
Opening hours Open now · today until 17:00
- Monday 08:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday 08:00 – 21:00
- Wednesday 08:00 – 17:00
- Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
- Friday 08:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
- Sunday Closed
Also open on Tuesday evenings until 21:00 — easy to combine your visit with work.
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Open now · today until 17:00