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Identification of oral cavity abnormalities in pre-term and full-term newborns: a cross-sectional and comparative
Insights
Pre-term newborns exhibit distinct oral cavity characteristics, including specific maxillary labial frenum insertion and a higher prevalence of palatal cysts compared to full-term infants.
Area of Science:
- Oral anatomy and development
- Neonatal physiology
- Comparative newborn studies
Background:
- Understanding oral cavity variations in newborns is crucial for early identification of potential issues.
- Differences between pre-term and full-term infants can impact feeding and long-term oral health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare maxillary labial frenum and lingual frenum topography.
- To analyze ridge relationships and oral inclusion cyst occurrence in pre-term (PT) versus full-term (FT) newborns.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, comparative study of 74 PT and 100 FT newborns.
- Data collected from medical records including gestational age and delivery type.
- Statistical analysis using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Main Results:
- Bohn's nodules and dental lamina cysts were more frequent in FT newborns.
- Maxillary labial frenum insertion differed significantly, with PT newborns showing attachment at the piriform papilla.
- Palatal cysts were more prevalent in PT newborns compared to alveolar cysts.
Conclusions:
- Pre-term newborns possess unique oral cavity features.
- Maxillary labial frenum insertion at the piriform papilla is a notable characteristic in PT infants.
- Palatal cysts are more prevalent in the oral cavities of pre-term infants.
Purpose:
Compare maxillary labial frenum and lingual frenum topography, the ridges relationship and oral inclusion cysts occurrence between pre-term (PT) and full-term newborns (FT).
Methods:
This cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted through the evaluation of 74 PT and 100 FT. Data were collected from medical records: mother age, gestational age, gender, height, weight, and delivery type. The variables were verified by Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test, at 5% significance level.
Results:
Bohn's nodules and dental lamina cysts were more frequent in FT (P = 0.000). Epstein pearls occurrence was similar between FT and PT (P = 0.243). The lower alveolar ridge in distal position to the upper one was more prevalent in both groups. Abnormal upper labial frenum anatomy had been observed in 10.0% of FT. Upper labial frenum was attached in piriform papilla in 90.5% of PTG, whereas in FT, 61.0% were attached from crest of alveolar ridge to mucogingival line.
Conclusions:
PT oral cavity presented some peculiarities when compared with FT: maxillary labial frenum insertion in the Piriform papilla and palatal cysts more prevalent than alveolar cysts.
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