Apgar index as a probable risk indicator for enamel defects in primary dentition: a cross sectional study.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of Apgar index with that of enamel defects and to explore gender predilection as a co-variable in the formation of enamel defects. A random sample of 108 individuals (46 boys and 62 girls) aged 4-5 years (mean - 4.4 years) were included in the study. A questionnaire containing subject's demographic information, Apgar Index (AI), enamel hypoplasia and hypocalcification was collected. Intraoral examination of the subjects was performed by using the type III diagnostic criteria recommended by WHO for oral health surveys. According to the modified index for developmental enamel defects, visual and tactile examinations of the entire primary dentition were performed.The data obtained was analysed using chi-square test. Of all the examined individuals 18 (16.7%) showed enamel defects, of which 10 (9.3%) were having enamel hypoplasia, 4 (3.7%) were having enamel hypocalcification and 4 (3.7%) were having both. Correlation of the enamel defects such as hypoplasia, hypocalcification and both had no significant relationship with the gender (P = 0.36). Subjects with lower Apgar Index exhibited more hypoplastic and hypocalcified teeth both qualitatively and quantitatively. If the Apgar value is less than 6, the vulnerability for the development of enamel defects has considerably increased. Gender of the individuals did not influence the final outcome.