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Developmental Enamel Defects and Dental Caries in the Primary Dentition of Preterm Children

Elisa Feuser1, Natália Moreira Teixeira2, Poliana Valdelice Cruz3

  • 1Dr. Feuser is a graduate student, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Journal of Dentistry for Children (Chicago, Ill.)
|April 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Preterm (PT) and/or low birth weight (LBW) children exhibit more developmental enamel defects (DED) than full term (FT) infants. Neonatal intensive care unit admission is linked to DED, but dental caries rates are similar between groups.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Neonatal Health
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Developmental enamel defects (DED) can impact oral health in children.
  • Preterm birth and low birth weight are associated with various health challenges.
  • Understanding DED prevalence in these groups is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare DED and dental caries in preterm/low birth weight (PT/LBW) versus full term/normal birth weight (FT/NBW) children.
  • To investigate associations between DED and socioeconomic, gestational, and postnatal factors.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 84 children aged 2-5 years, matched for sex and age (1:1 ratio).
  • Groups comprised 42 PT/LBW children and 42 FT/NBW children.
  • Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and Poisson regression.

Main Results:

  • PT/LBW children had significantly more teeth with DED compared to FT/NBW children.
  • No significant difference in dental caries prevalence was found between the groups.
  • Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit was significantly associated with DED (PR=0.21).

Conclusions:

  • PT/LBW children demonstrate a higher incidence of DED.
  • Dental caries rates do not differ significantly between PT/LBW and FT/NBW children.
  • Neonatal intensive care unit admission is a risk factor associated with DED in early childhood.

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