Timing of emergence of the first primary tooth in preterm and full-term infants

Variations in the timing of emergence of primary teeth are under strong genetic control, but there is also a significant contribution from external factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of preterm birth, birth weight and length, and feeding practices during the first 6 months of life on the timing of emergence of the first primary tooth. Data on pregnancy duration, birth weight and length, feeding practice, time of emergence and first emerged primary tooth were collected by electronic questionnaires. The study included 409 parents and 592 children of both genders. The sample was divided into two groups according to pregnancy duration (<37 weeks and ≥37 weeks), three groups according to feeding practice (exclusively breastfed, exclusively bottle fed, and a combination of breast feeding and bottle feeding), three groups by birth length (<50, 50-53, >53cm), and four groups by birth weight (<1500, 1500-2500, 2501-3500, >3500g). Data were analyzed considering chronological and postmenstrual age-which is the gestational age plus the infant's chronological age at the month of emergence of the first primary tooth. The mean time of first primary tooth emergence was 7.55±2.67 months when chronological age was considered. The first emerged tooth in most cases was a lower incisor (82.33%). There was a statistically significant difference in the timing of the first tooth emergence between preterm and full-term groups when chronological age was considered (p<0.005). However, no difference was found when age was adjusted. The age of emergence of the first tooth differed significantly when feeding, weight, and length groups (p<0. 05) were taken into account. In conclusion, the study indicates that shortened gestational age and very low birth weight are predictors for later ages of emergence of the first primary tooth.