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Tablet fluoridation influences the calcification of primary tooth pulp
E A Holtgrave1, W Hopfenmüller, S Ammar
1Department of Orthodontics, Benjamin Franklin Hospital, Free University of Berlin, Germany. holtgrave@medizin.fu-berlin.de
Summary
Long-term tablet fluoridation significantly increases primary pulp calcification, including unique fibrodentin-like tissue. This calcification correlates with infraocclusion in primary molars.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Histology
- Public Health Dentistry
Background:
- Dental caries prevention in children is crucial.
- Fluoride supplementation, including tablet fluoridation, is a common preventive strategy.
- Long-term effects of systemic fluoride on primary tooth development require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological influence of long-term tablet fluoridation on primary pulp calcification.
- To compare pulp calcification in children receiving fluoride tablets versus those without fluoride prophylaxis.
- To identify any unique calcification patterns associated with fluoride exposure.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy examination of 24 caries-free primary molars from children with 1-10 years of postpartally initiated tablet fluoridation.
- Comparison with 17 primary molars from children without fluoride prophylaxis.
- Histological analysis for pulp stones, fibrodentin-like tissue, interglobular dentin, and ankylosis.
Main Results:
- Pulp calcification was significantly more frequent and pronounced in the tablet fluoridation group (p = 0.001).
- A unique fibrodentin-like hard tissue, not seen in controls, developed intramurally and spread into the pulp.
- Affected teeth exhibited ankylosis and infraocclusion, with a correlation between extensive calcification, fluoride prophylaxis, and infraocclusion.
Conclusions:
- Long-term tablet fluoridation is associated with increased pulp calcification in primary teeth.
- Fluoride prophylaxis can induce unique fibrodentin-like calcifications and contribute to infraocclusion.
- While duration of fluoridation didn't significantly impact calcification, a correlation exists between extensive calcification, prophylaxis, and infraocclusion.