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Early Lead Exposure Associated with Molar Hypomineralization
Azza Tagelsir Ahmed1, Emily C Hector2, Jose Luis Urena-Cirett3
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Ill., USA, and is an adjunct researcher, Department of Cariology, Operative Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Ind., USA.
Pediatric Dentistry
|October 31, 2023
Summary
Prenatal exposure to lead, particularly in late pregnancy, is linked to molar hypomineralization (MH) in Mexican children. This study highlights the risks of lead exposure during critical developmental periods for dental health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Molar hypomineralization (MH) is a significant dental defect affecting tooth quality.
- Prenatal and early life environmental exposures are potential risk factors for MH.
- Understanding lead exposure's impact on child development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prenatal and early life lead exposure and molar hypomineralization (MH) in Mexican children.
- To quantify the risk of MH related to maternal blood lead levels during different pregnancy trimesters and early childhood.
Main Methods:
- A subset of 506 children (9-18 years) from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENTS) cohort were assessed for MH using European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria.
- Prenatal lead exposure was measured via maternal bone lead (patella, tibia) and blood lead levels (by trimester and averaged).
- Postnatal lead exposure was assessed through maternal blood lead at delivery and child blood lead at 12 and 24 months.
Main Results:
- Molar hypomineralization (MH) was diagnosed in 17.2% (87/506) of the examined children.
- Elevated maternal blood lead levels in the third trimester (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.02-1.15) and averaged over trimesters (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.02-1.19) were significantly associated with MH.
- No significant association was found between maternal bone lead or child blood lead levels and the presence of MH.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal lead exposure, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy, is significantly associated with an increased risk of molar hypomineralization.
- This finding underscores the importance of minimizing lead exposure during critical prenatal developmental windows.
- Further research may explore the specific mechanisms linking late-term prenatal lead exposure to dental enamel defects.
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