Distribution of fluoride and magnesium concentrations in deciduous tooth enamel of children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Systemic disturbance during the fetal and postnatal periods in disabled children may affect the formation and mineralization of deciduous tooth enamel. AIM: To reveal differences in the status of mineralization in the surface and inner layers of deciduous tooth enamel between children with cerebral palsy (CP), those with Down syndrome (DS), and controls. METHODS: Using extracted deciduous teeth obtained from CP children (5 teeth), DS children (5 teeth), and control children (11 teeth), fluoride and magnesium concentrations, used as mineralization parameters, were measured in three regions of the enamel at different depths: the enamel surface (ES), neonatal line (NL), and dentino-enamel junction (DEJ). RESULTS: Fluoride concentration was significantly higher in the ES region than in the NL or DEJ region in all three groups. There was no significant correlation between type of disability and fluoride concentration. Magnesium concentration was significantly higher in the DEJ region than in the NL or ES region. A significant correlation was seen between type of disability and magnesium concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium concentration was significantly higher in DS children than in control children, suggesting that DS children undergo poorer mineralization. Magnesium concentration tended to be higher in CP children than in control children.