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Table
II. Effects of nutrient deficiencies on tooth development
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|
| Deficient Nutrient | Effect on Teeth |
| Protein/calorie malnutrition | Delayed
tooth eruption Reduced tooth size Decreased enamel solubility Salivary gland dysfunction |
| Vitamin A | Vitamin
A Decreased epithelial tissue development Impaired tooth formation Enamel hypoplasia Craniofacial and oral clefts (excess vitamin A) |
| Vitamin D/calcium/phosphorus | Lowered
plasma calcium Hypomineralization Compromised tooth integrity Delayed eruption patterns |
| Vitamin C | Irregular
dentin formation Dental pulpal alterations |
| Fluoride | Impairs
enamel remineralization Increased demineralization in presence of organic acids |
| Iron | Slowed
growth Salivary gland dysfunction |
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|
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