Developmental defects of enamel in children born preterm
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Elinor Halperson1, Salome Shafir1, Avia Fux-Noy1
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
Children born preterm (PT) have significantly higher rates of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) compared to full-term (FT) infants. Neonatal morbidities like respiratory distress and ventilation are key risk factors for DDE in PT children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Neonatology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Developmental defects of enamel (DDE) can impact oral health and overall well-being.
- Preterm birth is associated with various health challenges, but its specific impact on enamel development requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of DDE in children born preterm (PT) compared to full-term (FT) children.
- To explore potential links between neonatal morbidities and the manifestation/severity of DDE in PT infants.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study comparing 52 PT children (born <32 weeks gestation) treated in NICU with 55 FT children.
- Dental examinations for DDE were conducted by a pediatric dentist between ages 1-4 years.
- DDE was defined as any alteration in the enamel surface.
Main Results:
- DDE was observed in 44% of PT children versus 11% of FT children (OR=6.47).
- PT children had a 12.87 times higher odds of anterior tooth DDE.
- Neonatal respiratory distress (OR=4.1), surfactant use (OR=5.7), and longer ventilation duration were significant risk factors for DDE in PT infants.
Conclusions:
- Children born PT exhibit a higher incidence of DDE than FT children.
- The observed DDE rates, lower than anticipated, suggest improved neonatal care may be mitigating some risks.
- Routine dental screenings are recommended for PT children, especially those requiring assisted ventilation, due to identified risk factors.
Introduction:
To investigate manifestations of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in children born preterm (PT), and to explore possible neonatal morbidities related to DDE manifestation and severity.
Methods:
A cohort study of 52 children born before gestational week 32 and treated in the neonatal intensive care unit; and 55 children born at full term (FT) as a control group. All the children had a dental examination at age 1-4 years by a professional pediatric dentist. DDE was defined as an alteration in the enamel surface.
Results:
DDE were observed in 23 (44%) and 6 (11%) children, in the PT and FT groups, respectively, odds ratio (OR) = 6.47. The OR for damaged anterior teeth was 12.87 times higher in the PT group. DDE of molars was diagnosed in 19% and 11% of the respective groups. In the PT group, the OR of DDE was 4.1 higher among those with than without respiratory distress. The risk for DDE was 5.7 higher in those who received surfactant than in those who did not. Ventilation length, both invasive and non-invasive, was significantly related to DEE.
Conclusions:
DDE was higher in children born PT than FT. The DDE rate was lower than expected based on current literature, and considering the overall increase in survival; this suggests improvement in treatments affecting DEE. Respiratory distress syndrome, surfactant administration reflecting the need for intubation, longer ventilation and local oral trauma were risk factors for DDE. We recommend routine dental examinations in follow up of children born PT, particularly those exposed to assisted ventilation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
01:07Teratogenicity
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
01:30Neurulation
01:20Inborn Errors of Metabolism
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...