Related Experiment Videos
Prevalence of developmental enamel defects in mentally retarded children
Alejandra Martínez1, Paulina Cubillos, Marco Jiménez
1Department of Pathology and Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Concepcion, Chile.
Insights
Developmental defects of enamel (DDE) affect 37% of mentally retarded children, particularly permanent incisors. Bacterial diseases significantly increased DDE prevalence in this group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Developmental defects of enamel (DDE) are frequently observed in children with neurological disorders.
- Existing data on DDE in mentally retarded children is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of DDE in mentally retarded children.
- To correlate DDE with perinatal factors and childhood diseases.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study examined 170 mentally retarded children aged 4-17 years in a non-fluoridated area.
- Clinical examination of teeth for enamel defects.
- Statistical analysis to identify correlations.
Main Results:
- DDE was present in 37% of the examined children.
- Permanent central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth (68.38%).
- A significantly higher prevalence of DDE was associated with a history of bacterial diseases.
Conclusions:
- Mentally retarded children exhibit a notable prevalence of DDE.
- Bacterial diseases represent a significant risk factor for DDE in this population.
- No significant association was found between DDE and sex, maternal factors, syndromes, neonatal issues, or viral diseases.
Abstract:
Developmental defects of enamel (DDE) are commonly observed in children with neurological disorders. However, information related to these patients is very scarce. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of DDE in mentally retarded children and to correlate it with specific perinatal factors and childhood diseases. A total of 170 retarded children between 4 and 17 years from a nonfluoridated area were examined. Teeth with defective enamel were seen in 37% of the patients. Permanent central incisors were the most affected teeth (68.38%). White/single opacities were present in 48.38% and white/diffuse patchy opacities in 28.38% of the patients. There was a significantly higher prevalence of DDE in patients with history of bacterial diseases. No statistically significant relation was found between presence of DDE and sex, nutritional status of the mother, use of alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy, presence of syndromes, neonatal disturbances and viral diseases.