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Published on: December 31, 2017

Oral health of children born small for gestational age

A C O'Connell1, S M O'Connell, E O'Mullane

  • 1Division of Public and Child Dental Health, Dental School, and Department of Paediatrics Trinity College, Dublin 2. anne.oconnell@dental.tcd.ie

Irish Medical Journal
|December 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) exhibit significant oral health issues, including high rates of dental decay and erosion. Early dental assessment is crucial for these children to ensure proper oral health and feeding habits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Neonatal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Children born small for gestational age (SGA) may face unique health challenges.
  • Oral health surveillance is critical for overall child well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the oral health status of children born small for gestational age (SGA).
  • To identify common oral health problems in this specific pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving children aged 4-8 years born SGA (birth weight < -2 SDS).
  • Standardized oral examinations and parent-completed oral health questionnaires were utilized.
  • Data collected on snacking habits, beverage consumption, dental decay, and erosion.

Main Results:

  • Nearly half (47%) of the children experienced dental decay, with 92% of cases untreated.
  • Erosion was observed in 20% of the children.
  • High prevalence of between-meal snacking (71%) and frequent carbonated beverage consumption (30%) was noted.

Conclusions:

  • Children born SGA present with a high burden of untreated dental decay and erosion.
  • Oral health should be integrated into the general health surveillance of SGA children.
  • Referral for dental assessment within the first two years is recommended to guide parents on safe feeding practices.

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