Search

In the present study, we collected a family series with short root anomaly in order to analyze the inheritance pattern of the condition. Another aim was to identify in these families an association with other dental anomalies, such as tooth agenesis, peg-shaped lateral incisors, supernumeraries, ectopia, and such morphological characteristics as invaginations, taurodontism, and a tendency to root resorption. Mesiodistal dimensions of the crowns of the affected teeth were measured in order to reveal any association with reduction or increase in tooth size. The apparent genetic heterogeneity of the pedigrees did not permit definitive conclusions as to the mode of inheritance. Autosomal dominant transmission of short root anomaly was seen in 3/8 families. In 2/8 families, the condition was seen in siblings but not in parents. An association with tooth agenesis and ectopic canines was noted, the prevalences of which were 46% and 33%, respectively. We stress the importance of not misdiagnosing this anomaly as resorption.

Despite its unequivocal advantages, breast feeding may be associated with undesired side-effects. Recently, we have shown an association between exposure via mother's milk to dioxins and developmental defects of the child's teeth. The present study was undertaken to analyze further the association between the duration of breast feeding and the occurrence of dental defects. For this purpose, 2 different populations were selected. The first population comprised 40 children who had mineralization defects in the permanent 1st molars, and their age-living area- and sex-matched controls. The median duration of breast feeding was 9 months in the affected children compared to 6 months in the controls. The defects were more extensive after prolonged breast feeding. The second population consisted of 97 children whose mothers had been encouraged to extensive and prolonged breast feeding. Of these children, 24 had mineralization defects. They all had been breastfed longer than 8 months. In both study populations mineralization defects were associated with the duration of breast feeding. The result suggests that long breast feeding may increase the risk of mineralization defects in healthy children, possibly because of environmental contaminants that interfere with tooth development.