Particularities of the chemical composition of dental enamel in children with neuromotor disabilities and gastro-esophageal reflux disease

Abstract

Abstract. Objective: The purpose of the hereby paper consisted in the study of particularities of the chemical composition of dental enamel in children suffering from severe neuromotor disabilities associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Material and methods. Using the Fourier transform spectroscopy method (FTIR) we have studied the structure and the chemical composition of various areas of the dental enamel, namely 64 pieces of enamel prepared from 32 teeth extracted from children aged between 13 and 17, following orthodontic indications. Results: We established that in the enamel of the children suffering from severe neuromotor disabilities associated with GERD the weight of the organic component of enamel is increased, the content of hydroxyapatite content is reduced, it contains carbon substituted hydroxyapatite with low intensity of peak phosphorus and significant increase of organic components. The detected particularities of the chemical composition of dental enamel indicate the considerable reduction of the enamel resistance to acid attack, thus leading to a high risk of dental erosion or new carious lesions. Conclusions: The FTIR spectroscopy method of dental enamel offers new opportunities in the study of pathogenic mechanisms involved in the initiation and evolution of carious lesions and dental erosions, to make a prediction of these disorders, to elaborate measures for the prevention of tooth decay and evaluate their efficiency