Variation in regional enamel growth rates in modern humans presenting dental evidence of vitamin D deficiency - a preliminary study

Abstract

Introduction: Enamel development (amelogenesis) research has been fundamental to our understanding of variation in human enamel physiology. However, research into internal enamel structures is often limited to exploring rates of enamel formation. This study addresses this gap by analysing enamel growth and the impact metabolic disease can have on that growth.

Materials and methods: Thin sections were produced for nine permanent teeth, five presenting zero or minimal evidence of vitamin D deficiency, and four presenting moderate-severe deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was identified via interglobular dentine (IGD). Enamel development was analysed through daily secretion rates (DSRs). Statistical analysis investigated for variation in mean DSRs, and overall DSR distribution variance, across mid, inner, and outer lateral enamel regions between IGD-absent and IGD-present groups.

Results: Mean DSRs were significantly faster in the inner and mid regions in the IGD-present group. Distribution variance was significantly larger in all regions in the IGD-present groups.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency impacts the formation of enamel concurrently with dentine. While more research into the correlation between IGD formation and changes in DSRs is needed, these findings allude to vitamin D deficiency regulating human enamel secretion and/or enamel undergoing catchup growth after vitamin D deficiency recovery comparable to bone.