Hypodontia and enamelodentinopathies in environment polluted with heavy metals

Objectives: of the study was to establish the prevalence of hypodontia and enamelodentinopathies (EDPs) in adolescents living in Legnica Cuprum Mines Region (LCMR) with high environmental pollution with Pb, Cu and Zn, and to compare the obtained results with those found in other Polish regions. The LCMR is regarded to be the most ecologically disastrous area in Poland. Material: 1000 schoolchildren aged 15-18 years old. Methods: All schoolchildren were examined clinically in natural light. During examination the teeth were wet and not air-spray-dried. DDE index was used to record EDPs. Also DMF index was employed. Results of the study were statistically analyzed. Results: Hypodontia was found in 77 schoolchildren, while EDPs were seen in 488, mainly in girls. Frequency of particular EDPs was as follows: discoloration – 28%, discoloration plus hypoplasio – 7%, hypoplasio – 13%. The discolorations were placed in 41% upper anterior teeth region, 9.7% upper right posterior teeth region, and in 10.2% upper left posterior teeth region. The appropriate data for the lower teeth regions were: 18%, 11.1% and 10%. Among discoloration cases the percentage of white-yellow stains was 62%, while the brown ones – 38%.The average DMF value in adolescents with EDPs was 9.1, and was higher than in those without (8.2). Conclusions: 1) Prevalence of hypodontia and EDPs in LCMR revealed appropriately slightly higher and moderate level in comparison to other Polish regions. 2) Prevalence of white tooth discoloration in LCMR was similar to that found in other Polish regions, while the frequency of hypoplasio in LCMR was higher than in Gdansk and Lublin regions. 3) EDPs frequently seen in anterior teeth may cause serious esthetic-psychological problems for adolescents. 4) Teeth with EDPs are more susceptible for caries. 5) Improving environmental conditions in LCMR is needed to diminish the prevalence of EDPs and hypodontia.