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Developmental enamel defects in children prenatally exposed to anti-epileptic drugs

Pernille E Jacobsen1, Tine B Henriksen, Dorte Haubek

  • 1Section of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Dentistry, Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. pej@odontologi.au.dk

Plos One
|March 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to anti-epileptic drugs (AED) increases the risk of enamel defects in children. This includes enamel hypoplasia and opacities in primary teeth, and white opacities in both primary and permanent teeth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Anti-epileptic drugs (AED) are known to have teratogenic effects.
  • Prenatal exposure to certain medications can impact fetal development.
  • Dental enamel defects are a concern for child oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal exposure to anti-epileptic drugs (AED) and the risk of enamel defects.
  • To evaluate these risks in both primary and permanent dentition.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 38 children exposed prenatally to AED and 129 non-exposed controls (ages 6-10).
  • Medication data confirmed via the Danish Prescription Database.
  • Clinical examination of teeth for enamel opacities and hypoplasia.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal AED exposure was linked to increased enamel hypoplasia (11% vs. 4%) and diffuse opacities (18% vs. 7%) in primary teeth.
  • Increased risk of numerous white opacities observed in primary (18% vs. 10%) and permanent (34% vs. 12%) dentition.
  • Odds ratios indicated significant associations for diffuse opacities and numerous white opacities in permanent teeth.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal AED exposure is associated with a higher risk of enamel defects.
  • Children exposed prenatally to AED show increased prevalence of white opacities in both primary and permanent teeth.
  • Primary teeth also showed increased risks for diffuse opacities and enamel hypoplasia.
Abstract

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