The incidence of enamel hypoplasia in children between 8 and 15 years in Anbar Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

Aims: Hereditary and environmental factors can lead to enamel hypoplasia (EH). This defect can affect the baby teeth (primary) or permanent teeth. The study has been performed to estimate the incidence of the enamel hypoplasia among children between the age group of 8 and 15 years in Al-Anbar Governorate, Iraq and to try to find some solutions to protect the enamel in these ages. Materials and Methods: A total of 2652 pupils were selected from schools of primary and medium. All samples were chosen according to the randomized stratified clustered manner. The pupils' populations were classified into 1–3 groups. In each group, there were 884 pupils (442 males and 442 females) examined. The procedures of diagnosis were in calm status with daylight, using general surgical instruments, for example, disposable mirror, and forceps that have been used to retract the lips and cheeks. Statistical Analysis: The data have been collected were analyzed using the Chi-square statistic test (SPSS version 22 software). Results: The enamel hypoplasia was the most common widespread in both genders, in the boys, it was 122 (9.2%), whereas in the girls, it was 117 (8.82%), and there were no statistically significant P value differences between both genders (P > 0.05). Results also showed that hypoplastic enamel was significantly seen on the maxillary incisors compared with the canines and the premolars. Conclusion: Several factors can cause enamel hypoplasia among children between the age group of 8 and 15 years in Al Anbar Governorate such as nutritional factors, illness, or the range of acquired genetic factors that are eventually lead to esthetics problems and dental hypersensitivity. Accordingly, enamel hypoplasia in teeth can increase the risk of dental caries and tooth wear; therefore, one of the best options was effective preventive care and monitoring are required that is the helping to protect the enamel.