White spots on tooth enamel in mixed dentition
Aim: To determine the prevalence, etiological factors of white spots on enamel and to evaluate the treatment by microabrasion technique in schoolchildren. Method: A study was developed in children between the ages of 6 and 12 of both genders, enrolled in 3 municipal public schools. Oral examination of the children was carried out, and for those children in whom white spot lesions were found, dental treatment was provided by the microabrasion technique in the incisors and/ or first permanent molars to prevent the evolution to a caries lesion with cavitation, since the enamel structure was damaged. Results: The most affected age was 10 years with 27.8% (n = 5). In relation to the enamel surface area affected by white patches, the majority had 1% - 24% of the enamel reached. The possible etiological factors of white patches were systemic infections, trauma or caries with pulp involvement in a deciduous tooth. The treatment was effective in 16 children and for the remaining two the restorative treatment was performed. Conclusion: The prevalence of white spot lesions found in enamel was 3.95%, with a higher prevalence in females. The permanent right upper central incisor was the most affected. The treatment proved to be effective in most children possibly because the lesion is located more superficially in the enamel.KeywordsDental enamel; Enamel hypoplasia; Tooth demineralization; Enamel microabrasion.