Microscopic structure of dental hard tissues in primary and permanent teeth from individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome

•The overall microscopic structure of enamel and dentine was found normal.•Areas of interglobular dentine (IGD) were more abundant than normal.•Eroded enamel surfaces in primary and permanent teeth exhibit features characteristic of an acidic agent.

Objectivesevere tooth wear, in terms of both erosive wear and attrition, is a significant problem in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The purpose of the present study was to describe the structure of enamel and dentine in primary and permanent teeth from individuals with PWS.Designthirty-two primary and 10 permanent teeth representing 16 individuals with PWS were investigated in the study. The enamel surface was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microscopic structure of enamel and dentine was studied using SEM, microradiography and light microscopy.Resultsthe microscopic structure of enamel and dentine was found to be normal with the exception of a slight increase of interglobular dentine (IGD). Severe erosive defects were observed in primary teeth and also in permanent teeth with long exposure to the oral environment.Conclusionthe erosive enamel defects in individuals with PWS seem more related to the factors in the oral environment than to enamel structure which appeared normal. The occurrence of IGD indicate deficient mineralization but is probably of minor clinical significance. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is worthy of further investigation in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome.