Prevalence of developmental dental hard-tissue anomalies among adolescents in southeastern Nigerian rural communities

Background and objectives: Dental anomalies are significant deviation in the normal size, structure, number, root formation or shape of a tooth. It can affect primary and permanent dentition. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of developmental dental hard tissue anomalies in the permanent dentition of adolescents in two southeastern Nigerian rural communities. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among school children aged 12-13 years attending two public secondary schools. The schools were located in Nkanu-West and Udi Local Government areas in Enugu state. Oral examination for the presence or absence of developmental dental hard tissue anomalies was performed by a single examiner. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 25. Results: A total of 61 (44.9%) males and 75(55.1%) females participated in the study. The age range of the children was 12 to 13 years with mean age of 12.49 ± 0.50 years. The prevalence of developmental dental hard tissue anomalies was 2.2%. Developmental dental hard tissue anomalies were seen only in females, higher among 13-year-old school children and school children from middle socioeconomic status. Enamel hypoplasia was seen more than peg shaped lateral incisor. There was no statistically significant association with sex (p = 0.25), age (p = 0.61), socioeconomic status (p= 0.25) and developmental dental hard tissue anomalies. Conclusion: The prevalence of developmental dental hard tissue anomalies was low in this study. Developmental dental hard tissue anomalies can affect aesthetics and quality of life. A visit to dental clinic for clinical assessment, preventive interventions and management is recommended. January 2025; Vol. 19(1):002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.19.002 *Correspondence: Obehi. O Osadolor, Department of Child Dental Health, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku- ozalla, Enugu State. Nigeria. E-mail: osadolorobehi@yahoo.com; © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0).