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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Published on: August 25, 2014

Effects of preterm birth on oral growth and development

W K Seow1

  • 1Department of Dentistry, University of Queensland.

Australian Dental Journal
|April 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth significantly impacts oral development, leading to high rates of enamel hypoplasia and delayed dental development in affected children. These oral health issues require specialized dental management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Preterm and low birthweight infants face increased risks of neonatal complications.
  • These complications can adversely affect the development of oral tissues and dentition.
  • A decade of research reviews oral development in preterm children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review oral development in preterm children.
  • To correlate findings with current understanding of the field.
  • To highlight implications for dental management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of a decade of the author's research on preterm children's oral development.
  • Analysis of existing literature on the subject.
  • Clinical observation and data compilation.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence (40-70%) of generalized enamel hypoplasia in primary dentition of preterm children, linked to low bone mineral stores.
  • Increased incidence of localized enamel hypoplasia, crown dilacerations, and palatal distortions, often due to neonatal interventions.
  • Delayed dental development and eruption rates observed, particularly in children with lower birthweight and shorter gestational ages.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth is associated with significant dental anomalies, including enamel defects and developmental delays.
  • Neonatal medical interventions can contribute to specific dental malformations.
  • Early and specialized dental care is crucial for managing the oral health of preterm children.

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