Oligodontia is associated with extra-oral ectodermal symptoms and low whole salivary flow rates

INTRODUCTION: Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) involve abnormal development of h air, teeth, nails, and sweat glands. OBJECTIVES: (1) To investigate the frequency of extraoral ectodermal sympto ms in persons with oligodontia (>6 congenitally missing teeth). (2) To exam ine whole salivary flow rates in oligodontia patients, with special emphasi s on persons with EDs. SURVEY GROUP AND METHODS: Sixty-eight persons with oligodontia and 39 healt hy control persons were included. All participants underwent an interview, general and oral examinations, and whole salivary secretory tests. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (57%) of the oligodontia patients had disturbances in either hair, nails and/or sweat production in addition to teeth and were cl assified as the ED group. The remaining 29 oligodontia patients had no obvi ous signs of EDs (non-ED group). The prevalences of dry skin, asthma and ec zema were higher, and whole salivary secretory rates lower, in the ED group as compared to the control group. Intermediate values were observed in the non-ED group. Incisors, canines and molars were more frequently missing in the ED group than in the non-ED group, whereas no differences were observe d in the frequency of missing premolars. Negative correlations between the number of missing teeth and unstimulated and chewing stimulated whole saliv ary secretory rates were found.