Comparison of the chemical composition and the structural characteristics of normal enamel from the teeth affected with early childhood caries in pre-term and full-term born children: An In vitro study

Abstract

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is considered as one of the most concerned topics of investigation in order to prevent its occurrence by targeting multiple causative factors. Time of birth of a child has an effect on the development of tooth and might show differences in the structure and composition of enamel. Aim: To evaluate the chemical composition and structural characteristics of enamel in primary teeth of pre-and full-term born children affected with ECC. Material and Methods: Twenty extracted primary teeth from pre-term (n = 10) and full-term (n = 10) born children affected with ECC were selected. Unaffected portions of enamel were subjected to polarized light microscope (POLMI), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results: The thickness of prenatally formed enamel was less in pre-term born children under POLMI. The concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were higher in full-term born children on EDS analysis. The surfaces of enamel in primary teeth from full-term group were smooth whereas pitted and eroded along with a larger distribution of hypoplasia in pre-term group when observed under SEM. Conclusion: Primary teeth enamel of pre-term born children was found to be defective in both qualitative and quantitative aspects and could be a possible risk factor in the causation of ECC.