Linear enamel hypoplasia

Linear Enamel Hypoplasia (LEH) is an environmental hypoplasia that occurs as symmetrical, multiple, ring-shaped defects on all tooth surfaces, typically involving more than one tooth.^[1] The defects are horizontal bands or grooves, and their severity correlates directly with the duration of enamel growth disturbance.^[1] LEH is a significant dental developmental defect because it indicates disturbances in enamel formation due to systemic stress.

The oral impacts of LEH are severe. LEH patients typically complain of temperature, air, and mechanical sensitivity, making them sensitive. They find chewing challenging, with increased susceptibility to caries.^[1] The patients are also constantly complaining about repeated failed restoration, and aesthetics, lowering their confidence as well as their overall satisfaction in oral health. It is frequently misdiagnosed in its mildest form, which is typically treated as decay before the disease is discovered.

There are a number of reasons why LEH occurs. Childhood physiological stress during enamel formation can lead to structural defects. ^[2] Risk factors includes periods of inadequate nutrition combined with a lack of essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and calcium enhance the severity of the condition.^[3] All these factors influence both enamel formation and the severity and extent of the defects.

LEH is very significant in clinical dentistry as well as anthropology. In clinical use, it plays a significant role in the diagnosis of developmental defects of enamel and in guiding appropriate restorative and preventive procedures. In forensic anthropology and forensic odontology,^[2] LEH is a valuable marker of childhood stress experiences in ancient people. It provides data on systemic physiological stress, and hence scientists are able to investigate past health emergencies. For instance, LEH has been used to quantify childhood stress from malnutrition, disease, and other adversity in late-medieval London. ^[4] Intra-populational and intra-environmental variations in hypoplastic increments in different populations and environments, such as temperature and altitude, yield further comparative data. ^[5]