Teeth Structure Analysis of Primary Teeth in Children with Congenital Heart Disease (Ventricular Septal Defect) in Erbil City

Objective: This study is performed to find out any differences in the chemical composition of primary teeth between children with ventricular septal defect (VSD), and those without (VSD) in Erbil city. Methods: Children enrolled in this study were divided into two groups—group I (no VSD) and Group II (VSD). The collected teeth were (n=22) in each group. The structural and chemical composition of enamel and dentin were examined by scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive x-ray (SEM/EDEX). An unpaired t-test was used in statistical analysis. P<0.0001 was considered as significant. Results: EDEX analysis of the enamel layer in group I showed that calcium, phosphorus, silica, oxygen, fluorine, and sodium were significantly higher (P<0.0001) while carbon ions concentration was not. In the dentin layer, only calcium, phosphorus, fluorine, and sodium components were significantly higher in group I (P<0.0001). SEM analysis showed that disruption of the enamel layer was significantly higher in group II (7.60±15.41, and 14.21 ± 46.09) respectively for groups I and II (P<0.0001). Significant differences in dentin layer thickness were found (7.32 ± 33.28 and 3.807±11.94) respectively (P<0.0001). Dentin tubule occlusion was significantly higher in group I (7.59 ±74.18) than in group II (49.51± 45.27), P<0.0001. The number of odontoblast cell layers between groups was significantly higher in group I (7.32±33.28, and 3.807±11.94) respectively(P<0.0001). Conclusion: VSD can result in significant structural differences in the enamel and dentin layers of primary teeth. It can also cause sub-optimal concentrations of certain minerals like Ca, P, O2, Na, and Silica in primary teeth. Keywords: Ventricular Septal Defect, Chemical structure, Primary teeth.