The Influence of Polluted Air on Mineralization of Dental Hard Tissues Among Children Aged 3-4 Years old in Tbilis

Abstract

Background: Environmental pollution with heavy metals is a global problem. Hard dental tissue is capable of accumulating lead and other hard metals from the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate any correlation between the degree of air pollution and mineralization of dental hard tissues. Methodology: Epidemiological survey was conducted among children aged 3-4 years old living in polluted and less polluted areas of Tbilisi (Georgia). Caries prevalence and intensity was defined by the methodology of World Health Organization. Toxic and essential elements content was studied in hair of 28 children by X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy method. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was relatively lower in children livening in the less polluted region -37%, and in the polluted region it was – 46%. The decompensated form of caries was found 2.2 times more often in children living in ecologically polluted areas. The study of hair showed that the toxic elements (Pb, Hg, Sn, Ti) content in the biosubstrate was higher and the content of essential elements (Ca, Zn, K, Mg) was lower in environmentally unfavorable than in favorable conditions. Conclusion: Hair spectral analysis can be used as indicators of environmental pollution. Our survey showed the correlation between environmental pollution and mineralization of dental hard tissues.