Structural Changes in Primary Teeth of Diabetic Children: Composition and Ultrastructure Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Biomineralization
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus can affect developing enamel, compromising oral health.
• Mineralization processes are altered in diabetic individuals, potentially impacting tooth structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ultrastructure and elemental composition of primary tooth enamel in diabetic children.
• To determine the clinical implications of these enamel changes.

Main Methods:

• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine enamel surface ultrastructure.
• Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis quantified calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) mass percentages.
• Primary teeth from diabetic (n=50) and healthy (n=50) children aged 6-12 years were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Diabetic children's teeth exhibited ultrastructural aberrations, including prism perforations and loosely packed prisms.
• A statistically significant difference in Ca and P mass percentages was found between diabetic and healthy children (p < 0.05).
• Mean Ca and P percentages in the test group were 33.75% and 16.76%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Diabetic children present with compromised surface enamel characteristics and elemental composition in primary teeth.
• These findings underscore the need for rigorous caries prevention strategies in diabetic children to maintain tooth integrity.