Calcium level in the first deciduous molar crown in relation to feeding mode during early childhood

Abstract

Teeth mineralization is an essential factor in preventing dental decay as calcium is the most important mineral in the hard structure of the teeth. In the first six months after birth, calcium is provided to infant mostly via milk. The first deciduous mandibular molar crown is developed roughly during this suckling period and can be considered as one of many calcium intake indicators. This study is the first in the world of this kind to measure the calcium levels in the first deciduous molar crown in a group of 9- to 12-year-old children at the time of their natural exfoliation, living in Lebanon over the last decade, attending pediatric dentist clinics in Beirut and who were either breast- or formula-fed. Children with mixed feeding mode were eliminated from the study. Only children fed either feeding mode in the first six months of their lives were included. Calcium levels (g/kg) in molars were determined by ICP/MS following a microwave acid digestion. The mean calcium level of the first deciduous molar in our study was 358 ± 150 g/kg. Comparing the two groups, it was 370 ± 166 g/kg in the breastfed children and 347 ± 136 g/kg in the formula-fed children. There was no significant statistical difference between the two modes (p = 0.580) in terms of teeth calcium content. No significant difference was found between girls and boys (p = 0.440).