Maternal Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors, Lifestyle Factors, and Developmental Enamel Defects: A Pilot Study

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between endocrine disruptor chemicals using in the daily routine during breastfeeding and pregnancy period and the developmental enamel defects (DDE) and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) presence. Method: 313 (n=313) parents and their child who aged between 8 and 11, along with their parents, were enrolled in the study for routine dental check-ups at the pediatric dentistry clinic was included to this current study. This is a descriptional and cross-sectional study. Prior to participant enrolment, this study was approved by the Hamidiye Scientific Ethical Research Committee, University of Health Sciences (22-591). After consent forms were completed, the surveys' questions were scanned via QR codes on patients' phones for them to answer. The dental examination of the child was conducted, and the condition of the teeth was documented based on enamel defects. The relationship between categorical variables obtained from oral findings was examined through chi-square analysis, with analyses conducted using SPSS 20.0 software at a 95% confidence interval. Results: MIH prevalence was 36 % ( n=114) and DDE prevalence was 3% ( n=10). 4% (n=15) of the population have defects on lower incisor teeth. There is a significant relationship between the consumption of packaged foods during the breastfeeding period and the MIH group (p < 0.05). Also, it was observed that there is a statistically significant association between drug usage during pregnancy and the occurrence of MIH and DDE. Conclusion: The likelihood of developmental enamel defects and Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) has been associated with the consumption of packaged foods during pregnancy and lactation. Further comprehensive studies are needed regarding the use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.