Prevalence and distribution of developmental enamel defects in the primary dentition of pre-school children

Abstract

Developmental defects of the enamel (D.D.E.) are changes in the deciduous dentition that have been little studied in Brazil, although they lead to aesthetic problems, dental sensitivity and may be predictors of dental caries. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of D.D.E. in the deciduous dentition of pre-school children in the municipality of Itajaí, Santa Catarina, in 2003. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 431 children aged 3 to 5 enrolled in public day care centres. All of the teeth were examined and the enamel defects were assessed according to the Modified DDE Index (FDI, 1992). The prevalence of D.D.E. was 24.4% (CI 95% 20.3-28.5). Diffuse opacities were the most common defects found (17.9%), followed by hypoplasia (11.1%) and demarcated opacities (6.1%). The most affected teeth were the second molars (44.4%), followed by the first molars (23.5%). Defects were observed more frequently in the upper arch (58.2%). Assessing enamel hypoplasia separately, a prevalence of 15.1% (CI 95% 11.7-18.5) was observed, with the most affected teeth being the canines (33.6%) and second molars (33.6%). One quarter of the pre-school children presented enamel defects, with diffuse opacities being the most prevalent ones.

Developmental enamel defects and their impact on child oral health-related quality of life

“…16,18 In relation to the diagnosis of DED, enamel hypoplasia and demarcated opacities are easily detected because of their characteristic clinical appearances while diffuse opacities represent more nonspecific changes and do not present a very precise border against the adjacent normal enamel. 21 To analyze the impact of DED on quality of life, we assessed enamel defects in two forms: the prevalence of children with DED and the prevalence of teeth with enamel defects. In relation to the severity, we considered dental enamel hypoplasia to be the most severe because this type of defect may cause tooth sensitivity or be more susceptible to dental cavities.…”

Perinatal factors associated with developmental defects of enamel in primary teeth: a case-control study

“…4 The prevalence of DDE in the primary dentition ranges from 24.4% to 81.3% in different countries. 5,6 The etiological factors associated with acquired DDE may act prenatally, perinatally or postnatally, and may…”

Children with orofacial clefts : dental caries and health-related quality of life

“…In this study the prevalence of enamel defects was 26% in primary teeth in non-cleft controls and 47% in permanent teeth. This is in the same magnitude as in other studies reporting 24-29% prevalence of enamel developmental defects in primary teeth (Li, Navia et al 1995, Lunardelli and Peres 2005, Corrêa-Faria, Martins-Junior et al 2013) and 49-63% in permanent teeth (Dummer, Kingdon et al 1990, Clarkson and O'Mullane 1992, Montero, Douglass et al 2003.…”