99 - Prevalence of Dental Anomalies in Male vs. Female Pediatric Patients

Purpose: To identify and compare the prevalence of dental developmental abnormalities and pathology, (excluding dental trauma), in male versus female pediatric dental patients.

Method: This retrospective study obtained data from the electronic health record (Dentrix) charts for a convenience sample of 500 male and female pediatric dental patients who were aged 7–12 years and received either a comprehensive or a periodic examination, including panoramic radiographs, at the Children’s Dental Specialists Clinic between November 1, 2022, and November 30, 2024. Information on demographic characteristics, including age, gender, and ethnicity, was obtained from the patient charts. Panoramic radiographs were reviewed for the prevalence of the following dental developmental anomalies: impaction, missing teeth, supernumerary teeth, hypodontia, dilaceration, microdontia, and macrodontia. Comparisons of males and females on the prevalence rate of each abnormality were performed with chi-square analyses. Comparisons by gender were also performed using chi-square analysis after stratification by age category (i.e., within 7–9-year-olds and within 10–12-year-olds), ectopic eruptions (7–9 age: 21, 10–12 age: 44; p = 0.006).

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between males and females in the overall prevalence of dental anomalies (30.6% and 29.4%, respectively; p = 0.77 ). Significant gender-related differences were noted in two anomalies: premature loss due to early exfoliation (male: 4 cases, female: 13 cases; p = 0.033 ) and microdontia (male: 3 cases, female: 12 cases; p = 0.023 ). Age was found to be a significant factor, with a higher occurrence of anomalies in the 10–12-year age group compared to the 7–9-year age group (37% and 23.4%, respectively; p = 0.003 ). Significant age-related differences were also noted in two anomalies: impacted teeth (ages 7–9: 2 cases, ages 10–12: 11 cases; p = 0.036) and ectopic eruptions (ages 7–9: 21 cases, ages 10–12: 44 cases; p = 0.006).

Conclusion: In conclusion, while the overall prevalence of dental developmental anomalies did not significantly differ between male and female pediatric patients, specific anomalies—such as premature loss due to early exfoliation and microdontia—were significantly more prevalent in females. Additionally, age emerged as a significant factor, with older children (10–12 years) demonstrating a higher overall prevalence of anomalies, particularly impacted teeth and ectopic eruptions. These findings highlight the importance of age- and gender-specific considerations in the early detection and management of dental developmental abnormalities in pediatric populations.