Aim: This study investigates the influence of early childhood caries (ECC) on the occurence of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) on permanent teeth.
Methods: Study design: This prospective original study was conducted to monitor the relationship between ECC in primary dentition and DDE as their consequences on permanent successors. One hundred and forty children were recruited and included in the study group with diagnosed ECC (ECCG) (N=60) or the control group (CG) (N=80). Deciduous upper central incisors were assessed for existing dental caries according to the dmft index and the modified pufa score and permanent incisors were examined using the modified DDE index.
Results: Prevalence of DDE was 19.3% in the whole sample; in ECCG it was 24.2% and 12.6% in CG. The most common defect was diffuse opacity with a prevalence of 44.8% in ECCG and 72% in CG. Prevalence of hypoplasia was 13.8% in ECCG, in CG it was present as a combination defect with a prevalence of 4%. The extent of less than 1/3 of labial aspect was in 69% of defects in ECCG,in CG it was 52%. The location of defects in the incisal third was 48.3% in ECCG and 32% in controls.
Conclusion: A statistically significant relationship between ECC and DDE was not observed. The results were compared with studies about the relationship between ECC and DDE.