The Physiological Role of Parathyroid Hormone and Serum Calcium in Odontogenesis Stunting Children; Cross-sectional Analysis of Children Attending Dental OPD and Paediatric Ward at LUMHS

Abstract

Objectives: To determine serum PTH and serum calcium levels among children with delayed eruption of permanent teeth, attending the dental OPD at LUMHS.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the assistance of the Physiology Department, LUMHS, in collaboration with the Clinical Ward, Pediatric and Dental Wards, and D-R Lab, LUMHS, from March to August 2022. Children up to 18 years old, corresponding to the period of active odontogenesis and growth, diagnosed with odontogenesis stunting characterized by delayed or disrupted tooth development, as confirmed by clinical examination and radiographic imaging, visiting the dental outpatient department (OPD) were included. Blood samples for PTH and serum calcium levels were obtained with the informed consent of parents. Parathyroid Hormone was considered normal from 10 to 55 picograms/ml.

Results: A total of 250 children were studied, with an overall mean age of 12.24 ± 12.0 years. Males comprised 60.4%, and females were 39.6%. Most cases (28.4%) had dentine score 0, 24.8% had dentine score I, 24.8% had dentine score II, 18.8% had dentine score IV, while only 3.2% had dentine score II. Mean parathyroid hormone levels were significantly associated with higher dentine scores (p < 0.05). Although mean parathyroid hormone levels were statistically insignificant according to children's age (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: A decrease in levels of parathyroid hormones and calcium has been observed to contribute to the delay in the eruption of primary teeth. Additionally, factors such as stunted growth and deficiencies in parathyroid hormones and calcium levels further exacerbate this delay, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrition in dental development.