Chalky or Soft Teeth in Children: What Are Hypomineralised Molars?
Does your child have molars that look soft, chalky, or discoloured? You might be noticing a common developmental condition that affects the enamel called hypomineralisation. These teeth are often referred to as “chalky molars” or “soft teeth”, and while the severity can vary, early diagnosis and management can make a big difference to your child’s dental health.
Why Does This Happen?
Human teeth are incredibly strong — enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. But when something interferes with enamel formation during early development, the result can be soft, brittle, or patchy enamel.
The most common causes of soft teeth in children are hypomineralised or hypoplastic enamel. These are developmental conditions, meaning they occur while the teeth are forming — sometimes before birth or in the early years of life.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, though studies suggest links with early childhood illness, fevers, antibiotic use, or complications during pregnancy or birth. What’s important to remember is this: Your child is not at fault — and neither are you. But these teeth do need special care and professional advice to prevent long-term problems.
What Do Chalky or Hypomineralised Teeth Look Like?
The appearance and severity can vary from one child to another — or even from one tooth to the next. You might notice:
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White, yellow, or brown patches on the enamel
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A rough or soft texture
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Teeth that are sensitive to hot, cold, or brushing
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Early decay or enamel breakdown, especially in the back teeth
In minor cases, these teeth can often be monitored or managed with simple fillings. But in more severe cases, the enamel may be so weak that the tooth becomes prone to breakdown, decay, or discomfort.
How Are These Teeth Managed?
In mild cases, affected teeth can often be restored with fillings and successfully maintained over time. However, in more severe cases — where large restorations or crowns are required — extraction may be the most appropriate option. While the idea of extracting permanent teeth at a young age may seem excessive, severely affected molars often present a lifelong burden, requiring repeated restorations and potentially more complex treatment later in life.
If extraction is recommended, the timing is carefully planned to allow the second permanent molars to drift forward and take the place of the first molars. This is particularly important in the lower jaw, where spacing and alignment can be more difficult to manage.
As part of orthodontic planning, other extractions may also be considered to support overall dental development and minimise the need for future interventions. For example, if upper canines are ectopic, early removal of baby teeth may help guide their eruption. If lower first molars are extracted, your orthodontist may recommend removing the upper first molars as well (a compensating extraction) to maintain balance and prevent bite discrepancies.
What Can You Do?
There are a few simple but important steps you can take to help protect chalky or hypomineralised teeth:
- Brush twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste. If cold sensitivity is an issue, use warm water.
- Watch the diet
Limit sugary foods and drinks — especially fizzy drinks — as they increase the risk of decay. Weakened enamel is particularly vulnerable to acid attacks and bacterial growth - Visit your dentist or oral health therapist regularly
These teeth may need early intervention, such as fillings, to prevent further breakdown. The sooner any issues are addressed, the better. Your dental professional can also refer your child to an orthodontist if needed. - See an orthodontist at the right time
If molars are badly affected, an orthodontist can work closely with your child’s dentist to plan the best long-term approach. We ideally see these patients around age 8–9 years, when there’s still time to guide development and reduce the need for complex treatment later on.
Happy to help
At Thorndon Orthodontics, we’re experienced in managing hypomineralised molars and planning the best long-term outcomes for growing smiles. We work closely with your child’s dentist or hospital dental department to determine the best timing for any intervention, to optimise long-term outcomes. If you’re unsure about your child’s teeth, it’s always better to get a professional opinion early. Contact us today to arrange an orthodontic consultation for your child.