The Relationship Between Alkaline Phosphatase Enzyme Levels and the Incidence of Enamel Defects in Permanent Teeth in Children

Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body, formed by the interaction of matrix proteins and enzymes, particularly alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Disturbances in the regulation or activity of ALP can lead to enamel mineralization. which is not appropriate and increases the risk of Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) in permanent teeth. This study aims to analyze the relationship between ALP enzyme levels and the incidence of DDE in children. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 children divided into two groups: normal enamel and DDE. Enamel condition was assessed using a modified DDE index. Saliva samples were analyzed using the Colorimetric method in duplicate to measure the enzyme ALP levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings of this study is average ALP levels in the normal enamel group were lower [ 5,90 (1,38 – 27,82) mg/mL] compared to the DDE group [ 7,76 (0,13-11,89) mg/mL], with an insignificant difference (p > 0,05). Based on this finding, salivary ALP levels do not show a strong direct association with DDE; therefore, its potential as a single biomarker for the early detection of DDE is limited.