# Investigation of the fungiform papillae number in children with tooth number anomalies

## TL;DR

This study found that children with fewer teeth (hypodontia) have fewer fungiform papillae on their tongues compared to children with normal or extra teeth.

## Contribution

The study identifies a novel association between hypodontia and reduced fungiform papillae counts in children.

## Key findings

- Children with hypodontia had significantly fewer fungiform papillae than controls and hyperdontia groups.
- Hyperdontia did not show significant differences in fungiform papillae numbers compared to controls.
- FP numbers in hypodontia were not significantly affected by the number or location of missing teeth.

## Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between fungiform papillae (FP) numbers and tooth number anomalies in children, considering variables related to hypodontia and hyperdontia. The aim was to explore this association while adjusting for age and sex differences.

A total of 144 children (aged 8–10) were categorized into hypodontia (n = 48), hyperdontia (n = 48), and control groups (n = 48). Clinical and radiographic diagnoses were used to classify tooth number anomalies. Hypodontia was categorized by number and location, while hyperdontia was categorized by number, shape, and location. FP were assessed using the Denver Papillae Protocol. Data analyses were performed using NCSS software, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

The hypodontia group (22.5 ± 8.4) exhibited significantly lower FP than the control group (30.4 ± 9.2) and the hyperdontia group (27.9 ± 7.8) (p < 0.0005, p = 0.003, respectively). No significant difference existed between the hyperdontia and control groups. FP numbers in hypodontia subgroups showed no significant differences based on teeth agenesis numbers or locations. Similarly, hyperdontia subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences in FP numbers based on supernumerary teeth shapes (supplemental, conical, tuberculoid, paramolar) or the numbers of supernumerary teeth.

The lower FP numbers in children with hypodontia suggested an association between teeth and FP number. However, the non-significant difference in FP numbers with hyperdontia underscored the complexity of tooth development, warranting further investigations.

Children with hypodontia may exhibit distinct FP numbers compared to those without tooth number anomalies.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-024-05696-1.