Prevalence of oral abnormalities in a Turkish newborn population

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Oral Health
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on oral findings in newborns within Turkish populations.
• Previous studies have explored oral findings in diverse ethnic groups, highlighting the need for population-specific data.
• Understanding neonatal oral health is crucial for early detection and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of intraoral findings in a cohort of Turkish newborns.
• To examine correlations between oral findings and maternal medical complications, including gestational and congenital diabetes.
• To investigate the association of oral findings with maternal cigarette consumption during pregnancy and parental consanguinity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 2,021 full-term newborns.
• Clinical examination for oral cysts, ankyloglossia, and attached upper midline frenum.
• Data collection via standard questionnaires on maternal and infant medical history, including pregnancy complications and lifestyle factors.
• Statistical analysis using the Pearson Chi-Square test (P≤0.05).

Main Results:

• Oral inclusion cysts, particularly those on the palate, were the most frequently observed oral finding.
• A statistically significant association was found between oral inclusion cysts and congenital diabetes with insulin treatment.
• Maternal gestational diabetes and parental consanguinity also showed a significant relationship with the presence of oral inclusion cysts.

Conclusions:

• Oral inclusion cysts are prevalent in Turkish newborns and are significantly associated with maternal gestational diabetes and congenital diabetes.
• Maternal cigarette consumption during pregnancy and parental consanguinity are linked to a higher incidence of oral inclusion cysts.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering maternal health factors and genetic predispositions in neonatal oral health assessments.