Enamel hypoplasia in children with down syndrome

Background: Dental anomalies introduce significant functional problem in both jaws and can be grouped based on the stage of dental development at which each anomaly is predicted to originate. Enamel hypoplasia, one of the dental anomalies, is a condition where a disturbance of enamel matrix secretion, defective calcification or defective maturation causes tooth crown surface defect. Various studies show the prevalence of enamel hypoplasia was around 30-40% and a rise in children with Down syndrome. 

Objectives:  This study aims to inform the readers about the correlation between enamel hypoplasia in children with Down syndrome. 

Discussion:  Enamel hypoplasia occurrence is related to several factors, such as hereditary and environmental. Studies showed, there is a link between mental retardation and enamel defects as a result of the correlation between the development of enamel and the development of the brain, which inhibits tissue growth and some degradation of the odontoblast which is required to induce pre-ameloblasts to become ameloblasts. It leads to the decrease of secrete enamel matrix and causes the disease. Enamel hypoplasia could also impact the quality of life in Down syndrome children which can aggravate their condition. 

Conclusions: Studies have suggested associations with why Down syndrome could lead to enamel hypoplasia, even though there should be more comprehensive studies to establish a more definitive correlation between enamel hypoplasia and specific developmental characteristics in children with Down syndrome.