Developmental Defects of Enamel and Dental Caries in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorders

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an extremely widespread pathology characterized by numerous metabolic alterations, including impairments of calcium-phosphorus and of vitamin D metabolisms, which lead to a condition known as CKD-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBDs). In CKD children, this pathological condition induces anomalies in physiological growth processes, alterations in bone morphology, renal osteodystrophy and rickets. CKD-MBDs are not only associated with systemic complications but also show dental and maxillofacial manifestations in children. In fact, children affected by CKD-MBDs present defects in enamel development and dental anomalies when compared to healthy children. Therefore, the aims of this narrative review are to focus on the hard dental tissues and to investigate the possible correlation between the CKD-MBDs in children and the presence of developmental defects of enamel. In addition, the possible risk and protective factors of dental caries in CKD pediatric patients are analyzed. The review describes, with a multidisciplinary nephrological-dental approach, the pathogenic mechanisms that can cause anomalies in dental structure in CKD pediatric patients.