What is a common cause of enamel hypoplasia or dysplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia or dysplasia can often be attributed to damage to the ameloblasts prior to the eruption of the teeth. Ameloblasts are the cells responsible for the formation of enamel, and if they are disrupted or damaged during the critical periods of enamel development, it can lead to incomplete or abnormal enamel formation. This disruption can happen due to various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, illness during the time of enamel development, or trauma.

While genetic mutations and excessive fluoride exposure can also affect enamel, the specific relationship of ameloblast damage to the timing of enamel formation directly connects it to hypoplasia or dysplasia. This highlights the importance of the health and environment of the developing teeth in maintaining proper enamel structure and quality.