This unfortunate condition involves the incomplete development of the hard, protective layer of enamel that normally surrounds the crown of the tooth. Enamel hypoplasia results when the enamel-producing cells within the dental arcade, called ameloblasts, are injured or destroyed prior to eruption of either the deciduous or permanent teeth. The canine distemper virus is the most notable culprit causing enamel hypoplasia to occur; other causes can include severe malnutrition and fluorine toxicity.
Teeth that lack enamel have coarse textures (due to exposed dentin) and tend to stain brown. The absence of the protective enamel coating makes these teeth especially susceptible to decay and to traumatic fractures.
For puppies and kittens suffering from enamel hypoplasia on their permanent teeth, enamel restoration procedures (such as crowning) performed by a veterinary dental specialist can add a protective layer to exposed surfaces. Ask a veterinarian for more details regarding these dentistry procedures now available for pets.
Teeth that lack enamel have coarse textures (due to exposed dentin) and tend to stain brown. The absence of the protective enamel coating makes these teeth especially susceptible to decay and to traumatic fractures.
For puppies and kittens suffering from enamel hypoplasia on their permanent teeth, enamel restoration procedures (such as crowning) performed by a veterinary dental specialist can add a protective layer to exposed surfaces. Ask a veterinarian for more details regarding these dentistry procedures now available for pets.
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