The relationship of enamel defects and caries: a cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
Is there a relationship between enamel defects and early childhood caries?


METHODS
A total of 275 children participated in a cohort study from birth to 54 months of age. Enamel defects were determined by the development defects enamel index and dental caries was registered according to the WHO criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive, analytical techniques, multivariate analysis, and evidence-based tools as number needed to harm (NNH).


RESULTS
In the follow up, 224 children were still in the study, 81.3% presented at least one tooth with enamel defect and 44.2% had dental caries. An association was found between enamel defects and dental caries (P = 0.0091). Multivariate analysis showed that night bottle-feeding, absence of fluoride and enamel defects were predictors of dental caries at 18 months (P < 0.05). Enamel defect was the only statistically significant variable to influence the development of caries at 24, 30, 36, and 42 months. At 48 months, the use of fluoride toothpaste had effect on the decrease of caries (P < 0.05). The NNH for enamel defects in relation to dental caries was 3.0, at 24 months and 5.0 at 54 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Enamel defect is a predisposing factor for ECC.
Department of Clinical and Social Dentistry, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil. rosen@nlink.com.br
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D001903:Bottle Feeding; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000002:abnormalities*; D003744:Dental Enamel Hypoplasia / Q000150:complications; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000008:administration & dosage
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides