Researchers have found children born prematurely are at an increased risk for oral health challenges, which include developmental defects of enamel (DDE), poor periodontal health, and increased susceptibility to dental caries. A recent study was conducted by Heide L. and colleagues which was published in the Dentistry Journal. Prematurity, especially for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies, is considered a risk for dental and gingival health, suggesting long-term implications of oral health in preterm birth.
The study was aimed at assessing and comparing oral health parameters, such as dental caries, DDE, and gingival inflammation, between PT and FT children aged 7 to 9 years. The objective was to determine the effects of prematurity on oral health in the mixed dentition phase.
This was an observational study conducted on 38 preterm children and a control group of term children. Oral health assessments included prevalence of dental caries using ICDAS II and DMFT/dmft indices, enamel defects by the modified DDE Index, and gingival health by Periodontal Screening Index (PSI). The statistical analysis applied McNemar's test and Poisson regression with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.
Key Findings
Dental Caries:
• The prevalence of caries was 47.4% among PT children and 57.9% among FT children.
• In primary dentition, FT children had significantly higher caries rates than PT children (2.7 dmft vs. 1.6 dmft; p= 0.035).
• PT children with ELBW showed the highest caries rates (3.2 dmft; 1.0 DMFT).
Enamel Defects:
• DDE prevalence in primary teeth was significantly higher in PT children (55.3%) compared to FT children (28.9%; p= 0.008).
Periodontal Health:
• PSI scores were slightly higher in PT children (3.8) than in FT children (3.3).
• PT children with ELBW had a significantly elevated PSI score (7.4; p = 0.125), which reflected increased susceptibility to gingivitis and other periodontal issues.
The study calls attention to the major risks related to oral health for children born preterm, with an even more vulnerable subgroup having ELBW. Increased prevalence of enamel defects and poor periodontal health alongside dental caries make the provision of dental care to this risk group very comprehensive. Dental check-ups and prevention can minimize such risks and foster better oral health outcomes.
Reference:
Schlesinger HL, Heinrich-Weltzien R, Schüler IM. Oral Health of 7- to 9-Year-Old Children Born Prematurely—A Case–Control Observational Study with Randomized Case Selection. Dentistry Journal. 2024; 12(12):421. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12120421
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