Developmental enamel defects and their association with dental caries in preschoolers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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Najat Farsi1

  • 1Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. NFarsi@kau.edu.sa

Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry
|May 19, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Developmental enamel defects (DED) and dental caries are highly prevalent in young Saudi children. These enamel defects show a strong association with caries, impacting oral health in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Dental Public Health
  • Oral Health Research

Background:

  • Developmental enamel defects (DED) and dental caries are significant pediatric oral health concerns.
  • Understanding their prevalence and association is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence, severity, and association of DED and dental caries.
  • Focus on 4- and 5-year-old children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical examination of 510 children in nursery schools.
  • Utilized modified DED index for enamel defects and DMFT index for caries.
  • Standard dental examination tools were employed.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of DED was 45.4%, with demarcated opacities and hypoplasia being most common.
  • Maxillary anterior teeth were most affected; mandibular incisors least.
  • Mean DMFT was 3.9, with a positive association noted between DED and caries.

Conclusions:

  • High prevalence of enamel defects and caries observed in the study population.
  • Strong association between DED and caries necessitates consideration in oral health strategies.
  • Findings highlight the need for focused caries prevention in the Saudi community.
Abstract

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