Localized hypoplasia of the primary canine. Case studies in children under five years of age from Monte Albán during the Classic Period (200-700/750 bC)

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to identify enamel defects in deciduous dentition and its possible etiology in children under five years old, buried in the Monte Albán housing units during the Classic Period (200-700/750 aD). A macroscopic observation of the deciduous teeth was carried out, localized hypoplasia of the decidual canine was identified, and its degree was determined according to the methodology of Lukacs et al. (2001a). The number of burials of children under five years of age analyzed was 70; not all of them preserved the canines, only 34 children had at least one primary canine for evaluation. The lesion was identified in seven children (20 %). Regarding the canines, 8 out of 91 had the defect, which represents 8.7 %. The probable causes of the lesion were vitamin A deficiency and a low-fat diet in children. The fact that most of the population was fed exclusively on corn had repercussions on pregnant women and those with newborns. This does not mean that the entire population of Monte Albán had nutritional deficiencies; only some developed the enamel defect, which implies an individual susceptibility to the condition.