The prevalence of developmental enamel defects in permanent molars in a group of English school children

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ABSTRACT

Aim

An epidemiological study was designed to determine the prevalence of enamel defects in first permanent molars in
English children of ethnic backgrounds.

Methods

A population of school children aged seven years, living in the
low water fluoride City of Leeds (UK) were examined for the presence of developmental enamel defects in first permanent molars. The
examination criteria were based on the DDE index for screening surveys. The ethnic background to the children examined was
determined by school records, name and visual assessment.

Results

The results for 307 children (154 females) showed an overall
prevalence of defective enamel in first permanent molars of 14.5 and tooth prevalence of 7.2. There were effects of
gender or tooth site. There was no significant difference in prevalence between White-Caucasian (17) or Asian-Caucasian
(10) children. The demarcated opacity was the most frequent type of defect seen, followed by diffuse opacities and hypoplasia.
The occlusal and buccal surfaces were the most commonly affected.

Conclusion

As there were no significant differences in
prevalence between children of different ethnic groups it was concluded that the aetiology of enamel defects in permanent molars was
most likely affecting all children.

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