ENAMEL CHANGES AND MALNUTRITION
Malnutrition may result in several systemic complications, which can also be linked to oral conditions and the risk of developing defects in the tooth enamel. Nutrients, including especially vitamins and minerals, are essential for normal enamel development. The enamel may become hypoplastic in local areas corresponding to the period of insufficient nutrition. Especially in newborns and children below one year of age, malnutrition can lead to disturbed tooth development, where the enamel is more porous and thinner and eventually develops the need for treatment. Despite the many studies of tooth formation disorders involving the enamel, there is limited knowledge of how one and potentially several interacting factors, can be responsible for the development of enamel defects in the permanent tooth.
