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“Hi, can you please ask your fans this question? When I was younger I felt like I was constantly at the dentist having fillings and I know I have more than most with my chalky teeth – my question is, are chalky teeth passed down to kids? I have a toddler and a baby and am wondering if they will have the same troubles I had. thanks”

Posted by anon, 16/5/2013

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  • Genetics can be a cause

    Causes of chalky teeth;
    1. Premature Birth and Poor Health
    Hypomineralisation that affects a child’s baby teeth can be the result of low birth weight or premature birth. Sometimes, an early birth may interrupt proper enamel formation when the baby is in the womb.
    Enamel for permanent teeth forms during our first three years of life. Recurring high fevers, metabolic disorders and general poor health can prevent the formation of healthy enamel. Antibiotics can also be a contributing factor to chalky teeth in children.

    2. Genetics
    Poor development of enamel enamel can also be the result of a genetic condition called amelogenesis imperfecta. This condition, also called congenital enamel hypoplasia, can even result in abnormally small teeth and a whole range of orthodontic problems. Mostly, the genetic condition can either occur on its own or part of a syndrome that affects other parts of your body.
    But there are other hereditary syndromes that can result in chalky teeth, like:

    Seckel syndrome
    Usher syndrome
    Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
    Heimler syndrome
    Treacher Collins syndrome
    22q11 deletion syndrome
    Otodental syndrome
    3. Prenatal Problems
    Hypomineralisation can also result from a variety of prenatal problems, including maternal:

    Weight gain
    Vitamin D deficiency
    Drug use
    Smoking
    4. The Environment
    Even environmental factors and other problems during infancy can lead to chalky teeth, such as:

    Infections
    Trauma to the teeth
    Liver disease
    Jaundice
    Calcium deficiency
    Vitamin A, C or D deficiencies
    Cerebral palsy due to fetal or maternal infection
    Celiac disease


  • Did your parents, grandparents of siblings also have chalky teeth? The answer to this should indicate the risks of it being inherited


  • If you have plenty of calcium you have to have Vitamin D for your body to absorb it. I can’t see where anybody has mentioned that.
    Also I was not aware that your teeth and gums should be brushed in a circular motion. Just brushing backwards and forwards is abrasive and you sometimes don’t brush your gums enough to keep them healthy either. Changing definitely improved the condition of my teeth and gums.
    My teeth were also probably damaged from having so many antibiotics as I had a lot of tonsilitis until the ENT Specialist finally agreed to remove my tonsils. Sometimes they were so swollen I could barely swallow.


  • I really don’t think so


  • No I don’t think so.


  • No I don’t think so. Just ensure lots of calcium in their diets.


  • they are not hereditary, goodluck


  • My husband has chalky teeth, the only one in his family and our kids do not have any problems with their teeth.


  • My cousin had them but no other other members that we know of ever did. Did you find out?


  • A quick check up with the dentist should clear it up :)


  • did you end up finding out?


  • Not necessarily as they may take after their dad.


  • I’ve never heard of chalky teeth. Hope you found the answer you were looking for.


  • Did you find out if it was hereditary?


  • My mum had chalky teeth and had them all removed at a very early age. My sister and I have not had any such problems.


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