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Oral Health Status and Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Children Born Preterm: A Cross-sectional Study

Indira M Devraj1, M S Girish1, K Sushma2

  • 1Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
|January 19, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Preterm children experience higher rates of early childhood caries (ECC) and diminished oral health-related quality of life. Early oral health interventions are crucial to address these disparities in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Neonatal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Neonatal factors, such as gestational age, significantly influence a child's overall and oral development.
  • Preterm infants are at increased risk for early childhood caries (ECC) due to factors like frequent cariogenic food intake.
  • ECC in preterm children can negatively impact their quality of life and that of their parents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the oral health status of children born preterm.
  • To assess the quality of life related to oral health in preterm children.

Main Methods:

  • A clinical examination was conducted on 150 preterm children.
  • The Oral Health-related Early Childhood Quality of Life (OH-ECQoL) tool was utilized to measure quality of life.

Main Results:

  • The mean age of the children was 4.99 years.
  • 72% of children received oral hygiene guidance after 24 months of age, with 52% experiencing moderate caries and 8% severe caries.
  • Children born between 32-36 weeks gestation had a lower likelihood of ECC compared to those born before 32 weeks.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm children exhibit a higher prevalence of caries and poorer oral health-related quality of life.
  • There is a need for early oral health guidance to mitigate health disparities in preterm children.
  • Further longitudinal studies are recommended to understand the long-term oral health implications for preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
Early childhood cariesOral health-related quality of lifePreterm

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