Association between maternal blood lead levels and prevalence of dental caries in the primary dentition of children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dental caries is a chronic childhood disease and one of the most prevalent public health problems worldwide. Lead is a heavy metal that is taken up by the teeth and bones. However, the association between lead exposure during pregnancy, when the tooth germs are formed, and the prevalence of dental caries in the primary dentition remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between maternal blood lead levels and the prevalence of dental caries in the primary dentition of children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted as an Adjunct Study to the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), which is an ongoing nationwide birth-cohort study. Among children participating in the JECS at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health

SUBMITTER: Nagai-Yoshioka Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12665915 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature