The Prevalence of Enamel Defects in Students 7-12 Years of Age in Isfahan

Dental enamel is the end product of amelogenesis, which can be considered to take place in"nthree interrelated phases. When this complex sequence of cytological and physicochemica! events"ndisrupted by genetic or environmental factors, the function of the ameloblasts may be disrupted"npermanently or temporarily. The result shows qualitative and quantitative defects that may range from a"ncomplete absence of enamel or a slight discoloration. The aim of this study was to determine the"nprevalence of enamel defects by DDE index in a randomly selection group of 1637 students age 7-12"nyears old in Isfahan (0.2-0.3 PPMF"). Enamel defects were present on one or more teeth in 27% of the"ncases. The most common affected tooth was the central maxillary and then first molar of maxilla. The"nmost common affected surfaces were buccal. Hypoplastic defects were found in first molar; however"npremolar and canine were affected by diffuse white lines opacity.