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Dental caries in pre-term and low birth-weight children and related factors

M Ghasempour1, M Ahmadpour-Kacho, S Sheikhi

  • 1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. ma_ghasempour_ir@yahoo.com

The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice
|July 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Dental caries prevalence was similar in preterm, low birth weight (PLBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) children. Enamel hypoplasia and snacking were less common in PLBW children, potentially explaining the similar caries rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Neonatal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Preterm birth and low birth weight (PLBW) are associated with various health complications.
  • The impact of PLBW on early childhood dental caries requires further investigation.
  • Understanding caries risk factors in PLBW children is crucial for targeted preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of dental caries in 3-4-year-old children born PLBW compared to normal birth weight (NBW) children.
  • To investigate the influence of risk factors on the development of dental caries in primary teeth among these groups.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional case-control study involving 90 children (45 PLBW, 45 NBW).
  • Demographic data and feeding practices were collected via questionnaire.
  • Dental caries status (dmft) was assessed and analyzed using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in dental caries prevalence was observed between PLBW and NBW children (mean dmft: 2.5 vs. 2.2).
  • Twenty-five children (33.3%) were caries-free (8 PLBW, 17 NBW).
  • Feeding duration was shorter in PLBW children, but this did not significantly impact caries rates.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of dental caries does not differ between PLBW and NBW children at 3-4 years of age.
  • Lower incidence of enamel hypoplasia and reduced snacking habits in PLBW children may contribute to the observed similar caries prevalence.
  • These findings suggest that factors beyond birth weight influence early childhood caries development.
Abstract

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