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A prospective study of perinatal and metabolic risk factors for early childhood caries

Katarina Boustedt1,2, Josefine Roswall2,3, Emma Kjellberg2

  • 1Maxillofacial Unit, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Halmstad, Sweden.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|February 18, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Infants born preterm or small for gestational age face a higher risk of early childhood caries. While metabolic syndrome signs didn't differ, higher fasting glucose correlated with caries in preschoolers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Neonatology
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health concern.
  • Perinatal factors and metabolic health are potential contributors to ECC risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between perinatal and metabolic risk factors and ECC in preschool children.
  • To identify specific risk factors that predict ECC development.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 208 children was followed from birth to 6.5 years.
  • Perinatal data were collected via medical records and questionnaires.
  • Caries occurrence was assessed at 5 years; metabolic syndrome indicators were measured at 6.5 years.

Main Results:

  • Infants born moderately to late preterm (RR 4.2) and small for gestational age (RR 2.3) had increased odds of ECC.
  • No significant differences in metabolic syndrome risk factors were observed between children with and without caries.
  • A positive correlation was found between fasting glucose levels and the number of decayed or filled teeth (r=0.18).

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth and being small for gestational age are significant risk factors for developing early childhood caries.
  • While overall metabolic syndrome indicators did not differ, elevated fasting glucose levels were associated with ECC in preschool children.
Abstract

Keywords:
cariesglucosemetabolic syndromepreterm birthsmall for gestational age

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