Relationship between thyroid dysfunction and the condition of dental hard tissues and periodontal tissues in children

The dental health of children is determined by the interaction of local oral factors and systemic mechanisms regulating tissue growth, development, mineralization, and remodeling. Endocrine disorders occupy a special place among systemic factors, since hormones are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, mineral metabolism, bone formation, and organogenesis.Current evidence indicates that thyroid hormone deficiency during critical periods of development may be associated with delayed formation of teeth and craniofacial structures, whereas an excess of thyroid hormones may accelerate certain developmental processes [1–4]. The review by Leitch et al. emphasizes the importance of thyroid hormones for the development of the craniofacial skeleton and teeth and points to insufficient understanding of the mechanisms through which changes in thyroid status affect these structures.