06-04-2025
As adult teeth develop, certain defects can prevent them from forming properly. Chalky teeth is the common name used to describe molar incisor hypomineralisation of adult teeth, a condition in which tooth enamel does not form and harden correctly. Chalky teeth can appear discoloured, and may be sensitive, painful, or crumbly, as improperly formed enamel breaks off. As the condition affects developing teeth, almost all new cases of it will be in children. In this article, we will discuss how to spot chalky teeth, what causes chalky teeth, and the treatment methods used on hypomineralised teeth.
Key Takeaways
- Chalky teeth (also called molar incisor hypomineralisation) is a developmental dental defect that causes tooth enamel to form improperly.
- You can recognise chalky teeth through brown, yellow, or spotted discolouration, ridges and grooves on a tooth’s surface, and crumbly tooth enamel.
- Chalky teeth should always be treated by a dentist. Though the condition has no ‘cure’, pain and decay caused by it can be effectively managed if caught early.
What are Chalky Teeth?
Chalky teeth are a type of developmental dental defect (a D3) that affects the appearance and formation of tooth enamel. Also called molar incisor hypomineralisation, chalky teeth are often recognisable through discolouration, appearing white, brown, yellow, or cream. If your teeth feel chalky, you may also notice grooves and bumps on their surface, and certain areas of breakage, or crumbly enamel, due to the improper formation of enamel.
If you suspect your child is suffering from chalky teeth, symptoms to watch for include:
Increased sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli
Pain while eating
Pain while brushing teeth
Discoloured patches
In most cases, chalky teeth will be molars or incisors and will always occur during the development of adult teeth. This means that the sudden development of molar incisor hypomineralisation cannot happen during adulthood and will only affect young people who have developing teeth.
What Causes Chalky Teeth?
Despite several investigative studies on the condition, what causes chalky teeth is still unknown. Experts have theorised that experiencing a severe illness during childhood, a traumatic birth, or high fevers can all potentially cause chalky teeth.
Molar incisor hypomineralisation occurs during the development of teeth and can affect teeth to differing extents. Due to inadequate levels of calcium in developing tooth enamel, chalky teeth can become discoloured, soft, porous, and crumbly. In some cases, healthy teeth contain up to 21% more minerals than chalky teeth. Hypomineralised teeth are more susceptible to breakdown, tooth enamel erosion, and bacterial buildup, and so should always be treated by a dentist.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Chalky?
If you did not suffer from chalky teeth as a child but occasionally experience a chalky or rough feeling in the mouth, then do not worry, this feeling is likely due to the food you have eaten.
Foods that contain high levels of oxalic acid can cause a chalky feeling in the mouth that makes teeth feel weird and unnatural. This happens as oxalic acid reacts with calcium in saliva to create a chalk-like deposit that clings to teeth. Leafy green vegetables, potatoes, and legumes are all high in oxalic acid and can cause this feeling.
Cleaning your mouth through brushing, flossing, and mouthwash should be enough to remove these deposits.
How to Treat Chalky Teeth
There is no cure for chalky teeth, but there are several treatments that can help a person suffering from the condition manage pain and prevent tooth decay.
A dentist should be able to diagnose molar incisor hypomineralisation in a routine check-up, and depending on how advanced the condition is, a range of treatments will be recommended:
Fluoride varnish can decrease sensitivity on affected teeth, making it more comfortable to chew and clean teeth.
Topical mineralisation treatments can be used to boost the concentration of minerals in a tooth and potentially support its strength and durability.
Teeth Whitening, though less common in younger people, can improve aesthetic defects caused by chalky teeth.
Specialised white dental fillings are used to cover chalky teeth and make the tooth thicker and less susceptible to damage or erosion when eating or cleaning your teeth.
Sealants can coat and protect chalky teeth that have formed grooves or dents.
Resin infiltrant can be used to improve the appearance of chalky teeth that are discoloured or spotty.
Dental crowns can protect already decayed chalky teeth and help prevent future bacterial buildup and cavities.
Tooth extractions can be used in severe cases where chalky teeth have decayed past the point of repair and can no longer be saved by any treatment listed above.
Chalky teeth cannot be managed with at-home treatments, and if you believe that you or your child is suffering from the condition, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. When caught early, molar incisor hypomineralisation can be effectively managed, and affected teeth saved from extraction.
Restore Your Smile with Oral-B
Chalky teeth—often caused by conditions like molar incisor hypomineralisation—aren’t the result of poor oral hygiene, but maintaining a consistent and effective oral care routine plays a crucial role in preventing further issues like decay or sensitivity. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are essential, especially when managing enamel-related conditions.
While professional dental treatment is necessary in severe cases, the right at-home care can support healthy outcomes. Oral-B champions the importance of building strong daily habits to protect your smile. Our advanced Oral-B iO Series electric toothbrushes are designed to deliver a effective cleaning at home. With features like micro-vibrations and a smart pressure sensor to guard against over-brushing, they help care for teeth by maintaining a high standard of hygiene.
Together with regular dental visits, choosing the right tools can empower families to take charge of their oral health and better manage oral conditions.
FAQs
Are chalky teeth more likely to develop cavities?
Is chalky enamel the same as tooth decay?
Can chalky teeth be whitened?
Why is oral hygiene especially important for chalky teeth?
Sources
About Our Medical Reviewers
Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry. Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting. Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia. Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health.
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