ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND DISTURBANCES IN DENTAL ENAMEL FORMATION IN CHILDREN: THE ROLE OF ENDOCRINE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/3041-1394.2026-2.12Keywords:
amelogenesis, developmental defects of enamel, molar-incisor hypomineralization, endocrine disruptors, bisphenol A, microplastics, pediatric dentistryAbstract
Background. Developmental defects of dental enamel remain an important concern in pediatric dentistry because they are associated with alterations in enamel structure, mineralization, and mechanical properties, increased tooth sensitivity, and susceptibility to post-eruptive breakdown. Objective. To synthesize current scientific evidence on the effects of environmental pollutants on amelogenesis and developmental enamel defects in children, examine the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, and critically evaluate clinical evidence linking early environmental exposures to disturbances in dental mineralization. Materials and Methods. A review of scientific publications addressing the effects of environmental factors on dental enamel development was conducted. Particular emphasis was placed on studies published between 2021 and 2026, supplemented by selected foundational investigations. Experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies, as well as systematic and narrative reviews, were analyzed. Results. Experimental evidence demonstrates that certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with ameloblast differentiation, gene expression regulation, and enamel matrix maturation. Hormonal and epigenetic mechanisms have been identified for bisphenol A, whereas exposure to certain phthalates has been associated with structural enamel alterations and reduced mineral density and hardness. Experimental studies published in 2026 demonstrated impaired enamel formation following early-life exposure to polystyrene microplastics, benzo[a]pyrene, and combined fluoride and lead exposure in animal models. Conclusions. Environmental pollutants represent potential contributors to disturbed amelogenesis, although the strength of evidence varies substantially across chemical exposures and dental outcomes. The most extensively investigated experimental mechanisms involve bisphenol A and certain phthalates.
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