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.^[1] 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.^[2]

Enamel hypocalcification is a multifactorial disease that targets both primary and permanent dentition and is influenced by local, systemic, environmental, and genetic effects. For instance, trauma, infection, radiation, fluorosis, amelogenesis imperfecta, and molar incisor hypomineralization are among the etiologic factors of enamel hypocalcification. ^[3]