Developmental enamel defects prevalency in primary dentition acquired in intrauterine life

Abstract

Objective: establish the developmental defects of enamel (DDE) prevalence in deciduous teeth that were acquired in the intrauterine life relating to possible pregnancy complications. Method: A descriptive study was developed with 205 children aged 12-60 months born in São Luís, Brazil. An oral clinical exam, interview with officials and evaluation of medical records was performed. For diagnosis and classification of DDE used the Modified Index of Enamel Defects in Development. Analysis of frequency data was made. Results: 16% of examined children showed some DDE located on the surface of the tooth that was compatible with intrauterine tooth development period. The dental group that presented more defect was the canines. Conclusions: determine the frequency of enamel defects unique to gestational phase is innovative and contributes greatly to reduce conflicting results between studies examining risk factors for the DDE , because it provides a methodology that reduces errors in diagnosis in these research.