The prevalence and distribution of enamel defects in 11-12 year old Malaysian schoolchildren

The prevalence and symmetrical distribution of enamel defects were studied in 218 Malaysian school children aged 11-12 years old. The tooth prevalence of enamel defect was 40.3 per cent. The first permanent molars were the most severely affected, whereas the lower incisors were the least severely affected. Overall there was no sex difference. Distribution of symmetry was assessed between the right and left tooth pairs as well as for upper and lower teeth. A higher proportion of symmetry was observed for the right and left tooth pairs and the lingual surfaces showed a greater percentage of bilateral distribution.