Reasons for Loss of Tooth Enamel in Young Children

Tooth enamel is the hard, outside layer of your teeth. It serves to protect your teeth from decaying and is considered to be the hardest mineral substance in your body. Your teeth are actually stronger than your bones. There are a variety of circumstances, however, that can cause the enamel on your teeth to break down. This loss of enamel can even occur in young children. Once enamel is lost, it is lost for the remainder of your life.

Medical Conditions

• There are a variety of medical conditions that can lead to loss of tooth enamel in children. Children with compromised immune systems are more likely to find themselves with decaying enamel. Cancer, including leukemia, HIV and diabetes can cause loss of enamel. Enamel also can be lost as the result of dry mouth that occurs as a side effect from prescription drug use. Children who experience numerous fevers at a young age also may experience this problem. Taking antibiotics while teething also can cause problems with tooth enamel.

Eating Habits

• If a young child consumes a diet high acidic foods, loss of tooth enamel can become a problem. Excessive candy consumption, especially of sugary and sour foods, can cause enamel to decay at an early age. Foods and drinks high in citric acid also have an effect on tooth enamel. Sucking on mints and candies for long periods of time can be problematic. An overall poor diet can lead to enamel decay. Children need to eat a well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables in order to reduce the occurrence of enamel decay.

Regurgitation

• Regurgitation or vomiting excessively can cause loss of tooth enamel. Excessive vomiting can be caused by bulimia or illness. Acid reflux disease and excessive stomach gases also can be problematic in children. Vomit is a highly acidic substance that can slowly destroy the enamel of childrens' teeth over time. Treating the condition or illness that leads to excessive vomiting can help to save the remaining enamel on your child's teeth.

Traumatic Injuries

• Traumatic injuries that occur to the mouth also can cause a child's tooth enamel to decay. Fractured, chipped or missing teeth can lead to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which causes tooth enamel to decay more quickly. Traumas that are corrected with a filling also may be problematic. If fillings are too high or shaped poorly, food and bacteria can make its way into the tooth. This can cause decay of tooth enamel. Children who grind their teeth frequently also are at risk for loss of tooth enamel.