Association between Bone Mass and Dental Hypomineralization.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypomineralized enamel defects, including hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPMs) and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), are common dental issues in children.
• Bone mass, measured as bone mineral content (BMC), is a crucial indicator of skeletal health and development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between bone mineral content (BMC) and the prevalence of hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPMs) and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in 6-year-old children.
• To explore potential links between skeletal health and enamel defects in early childhood.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing data from the Generation R Study in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
• Intraoral photographs were assessed for HSPMs and MIH using European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry criteria.
• Bone mass was quantified using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans.
• Binary logistic regression models analyzed the association between BMC (corrected for bone area) and HSPMs/MIH in 6,510 children.

Main Results:

• A total of 5,586 children had assessed second primary molars and DXA scans; 507 were diagnosed with HSPM.
• 2,370 children had data on permanent first molars, with 203 diagnosed with MIH.
• Lower BMC (corrected for bone area) was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of HSPMs (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.26 per 1-SD decrease).
• No significant association was found between BMC (corrected for bone area) and MIH (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.20 per 1-SD decrease).

Conclusions:

• This study reveals a negative association between bone mineral content and hypomineralized second primary molars in 6-year-old children.
• Bone mass was not found to be associated with molar incisor hypomineralization in this cohort.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting bone mass and HSPMs.