Teeth with Hypoplasia Enamel

Pineapple88

Hi guys,

Long time lurker, first time poster so please be gentle!

I'm looking for some advice on the best way to look after my teeth. They are pretty weak, caused by a combination of too much fruit juice when I was little and bad enamel which my dentist thinks may be genetic since my mum's teeth are the same. My dentist said I have hypoplasia enamel but it has never been explained to my what this is and how best to look after my teeth. Could anyone out there explain?

My top 7 front teeth have porcelain veneers on them which were done on the NHS approx 6 years ago when I was 17 (I didn't even ask, they just offered them!) which I guess means they must be pretty bad!

Could anyone out there offer any tips on how to look after my teeth? I try to look after them and use high fluriode mouthwash and an electric toothbrush and interdental brushes. I also use a high fluoride toothpaste once a day which my dentist recommended (Colgate Duraphat). This toothpaste says not to rinse for 20 mins after using it. Does this include mouthwash? Will I be washing away the fluoride if I use mouthwash when I use this toothpaste?

Thanks for reading

Toothsmith

Your dentist should be offering advice specific to your situation and what he can actually see in your mouth.

You won't be getting full effect from the Duraphat toothpaste if you rinse it off straight away.

If you're using Duraphat toothpaste, I would question if a mouthwash would really be adding anything. If your dentist has recommended this though, I would say use it at different times to toothbrushing. Maybe after lunch if you don't brush then? But again, your dentist should be telling you how to use stuff he'ss recommended.

Good cleaning is also essential, but it seems you have the bases covered there too.

The real trick to preventing decay though is diet control.

Keep sugar.acidic intakes to an absolute minimum. Don't worry too much about what you're eating and drinking at mealtimes - but in between, you really need to make sure that if you really have to eat or drink anything, that it isn't acidic, and it's sugar free.

Pineapple88

Thanks for the reply

I don't use mouthwash after using the Duraphat because I didn't want to wash it off so I'm glad I'm going along the right lines there.

I've never found my dentist to be especially helpful with telling me how to look after my teeth aside from telling me to use Duraphat once a day. For example my dentist never suggested that I see the hygenist and it was only when I saw a private dentist (for something else) he said that I should be having 6 monthly visits. I feel like its always been a case of they look after my teeth at the check up (with coating them and doing whatever work needs doing) but outside of that I've never been given any advice.

Toothsmith

Maybe time to be considering your options for your dental care?