Dental Diseases in Premature Infants: A Pilot Study on Delayed Tooth Eruption During the First 12 Months of Life

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Background

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. Premature infants have a higher risk of developing a range of complications, including dental conditions. This pilot study aims to examine delayed tooth eruption in premature infants in the first twelve months of life, in order to identify any correlations between prematurity and early dental problems.

Material and methods

A longitudinal study was conducted on premature infants of the Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Regina Elena Clinic, Milan, Italy comparing 2 groups of patients. The group of premature infants (group test) was evaluated between 6 and 9 months (T1) and at 12 months (T2), compared with a second group (control group) of healthy infants, born at term, between 6 and 12 months. Data were collected through clinical examinations, considering variables such as gestational age and birth weight. A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted by calculating the mean, mode, median, and standard deviation for variables such as corrected age, chronological age, and the number of teeth in both groups (premature and full-term infants). The Mann-Whitney U test was also used to verify significant differences in the median between the test and control groups.

Results

The preliminary results show a delay in tooth eruption in premature infants compared to their full-term peers. This delay is more pronounced when considering the chronological age of the children, i.e. the age based on the actual date of birth. However, the delay appears milder when the correct age is used, i.e. the age calculated from the expected date of delivery. A correlation was also observed between the degree of prematurity and the extent of the delay in dental eruption, with more marked delay in extremely premature infants. The observed delay can be attributed to various factors, including metabolic and nutritional disorders. The study emphasises the importance of including a dental evaluation in the follow-up of premature infants from the first months of life.

PLUMX METRICS