Association of moderate-severe atopic dermatitis with dental anomalies

Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition with an underlying pathophysiology that may have impact beyond the skin. Previous studies showed a higher prevalence of dental cavities in patients with atopic dermatitis. Our study aimed to establish an association of other dental anomalies in patients with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis. We prospectively recruited 15 patients with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis for a formal dental examination by a paediatric dentist. Hypodontia and microdontia were more prevalent in patients with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis as compared to reference populations and were statistically significant. Dental caries, enamel hypoplasia and agenesis of 3rd molars were also prevalent but did not reach statistical significance. Our study shows a novel finding of higher prevalence of dental anomalies in patients with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis which may warrant further investigation due to its clinical implications.