As a parent, you try to keep your children healthy and smiling. Brian S. Kubo, DDS, is here to help, working with you to keep your children’s teeth healthy now so they’ll be smiling for many years to come. After more than ten years serving families in the Kamuela, Hawaii, community, this Honolulu-born-and-raised dentist has seen firsthand the power of preventative dental care.

Part of preventative care means eating a diet that supports your oral health. Recently, studies have found BPA (a chemical found in food packaging) and vinclozolin (a common fungicide) have detrimental effects on young teeth. What does this mean for parents? The dentist breaks down everything you need to know about BPA, vinclozolin, and how these chemicals affect your kids.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization

BPA and vinclozolin have both received a lot of attention lately as endocrine disruptors, with numerous studies showing that these chemicals interrupt hormone functioning. While this has a number of implications for overall health, in the teeth, it manifests as molar incisor hypomineralization. This developmental condition affects an estimated 18% of children between ages six and nine, causing defective enamel in the first permanent teeth.

Signs, Symptoms, & Risks

If your child frequently complains of teeth pain while enjoying cold beverages or ice cream, they may be experiencing heightened tooth sensitivity, a common symptom of molar incisor hypomineralization. You should also talk to your dentist if their teeth appear brown, yellow, or creamy in appearance. Children with molar incisor hypomineralization are at greater risk for cavities and chipped teeth, so it’s important to begin working closely with a dentist as soon as possible.

Preventing Lifelong Effects

While molar incisor hypomineralization begins in childhood, its effects last a lifetime. Tooth enamel doesn’t regenerate once it’s damaged, so protecting children’s teeth as they develop is vital for their lifelong dental health. Since tooth enamel development begins in the third trimester and continues through age five, you may want to avoid exposure to BPA and vinclozolin throughout this time. 

If you’re pregnant or have young children and are worried about molar incisor hypomineralization and enamel damage, Brian S. Kubo, DDS, is happy to help. Call (808) 885-8465 to schedule an appointment at the dentist office in Kamuela today. To learn more about how Dr. Kubo and his staff will serve your dental needs, from periodontal disease treatment to cosmetic dentistry, visit his website.