Enamel hypocalcification

Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth which serves as a protective layer from physical, thermal, and chemical damage. Ameloblasts are the cells that produce the enamel. Their life cycle, known as amelogenesis, is divided into six stages: morphogenetic, organizing, formative, maturative, protective, and desmolytic. Enamel mineralization occurs during the maturation stage. Hence, defects in the maturation stage result in hypocalcification or hypomineralization. Enamel hypocalcification is the inadequate deposition of inorganic ions, resulting in the appearance of translucency, white-chalky spots, and yellow-brown discoloration on the surface of the tooth associated with increased sensitivity and a higher risk of developing dental caries.

Source: Wikipedia

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply.

🔗 Related Articles