Reference information about infantile melanodontie

Abstract

Introduction: Infantile melanodontie or Beltrami disease represents an alteration of the enamel surface of temporary teeth, which is specific for children beginning with the first 12 months of life. It is manifested by disappearance of enamel, which is dissolved or is detached as slabs. The teeth become fragile and brittle similar with glass and less resistant to damage. It causes practical injuries, aesthetic defect and risk of abscesses. The infantile melanodontie is often confused with nursing bottle caries, which differs by a total destruction of tooth crown and root. At the age of 6 years just a dental “stump” stays, in the form of black blades, which emerge from the gum leaving no orifices. Usually, permanent teeth are not affected, but it could present signs of enamel dysplasia. Materials and Methods: A patient who was consulted at the age of 1 year and 4 months is placed under clinical observations. Further clinical explorations allowed the diagnosis of infantile melanodontie. The conservative treatment is hardly achieved and includes: frequent dental lavage; regular visits to the professional, in order to prevent abscesses: early control and treatment of all injuries, if necessary - the use of antibiotic dressing; attempts to change the oral microflora for obtaining a pH change; vitamin and mineral supplements. Results: The success realized during three years evidence consists of the lack of periapical abscesses. Conclusion: The infantile melanodontie is a major problem of child health with consequences on psychosomatic insertion in society.