Dento-maxillary changes in children with congenital hypothyroidism. Mini review and clinical cases

A. Kozma, M. I. Teodorescu, A. T. Constantin, M. Stan, M. Nanu,

Abstract: Hypothyroidism is one of the most common thyroid dysfunctions in pediatric age. Congenital hypothyroidism affects between 1: 2,000 and 1: 4,000 newborns. Acquired hypothyroidism may be primary, when hormonal dysfunction is caused by thyroid, and central involvement, when there is a hypothalamo-pituitary involvement. Undifferentiated, in pediatric age, hypothyroidism has negative effects on the entire body, affecting growth, puberty and school performance. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of congenital hypothyroidism on orodental patterns in children. The study group consists of 39 pediatric age patients (20 females and 19 males) with thyroid insufficiency. The diagnosis of the underlying condition (hypothyroidism) was established based on the clinical examination data, in conjunction with the dosing of thyroid hormones (thyroxine, triiodothyronine) and thyroid stimulating hormone. Case distribution according to dento-maxillary changes: delay in eruption - 32 children, dental malformations (anodontia and ectopia) - 9 children, dental caries - 7 children. The data obtained in the study are consistent with those in the literature. There is a positive correlation between bone age and dental age, which allows assessment of dental age in a child with congenital hypothyroidism as an element of development and maturation.
Keywords: hypothyroidism, pediatrics, dental age, bone age, dentistry.