Oral Health Challenges in Preterm Children: Current Evidence and Clinical Recommendations

Preterm birth is a major global public health concern that affects not only neonatal morbidity and mortality but also long-term oral health outcomes.Preterm children have been reported to exhibit a higher prevalence of developmental defects of enamel, early childhood caries, delayed tooth eruption, and malocclusion compared with their term-born peers.Among these conditions, the association between prematurity and developmental defects of enamel is supported by the strongest evidence, whereas findings regarding other oral health outcomes remain inconsistent because of methodological heterogeneity and multiple confounding factors across studies.This narrative review summarizes the current evidence regarding the impact of preterm birth on oral and dental health, highlighting the underlying biological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and evidence-based preventive strategies.Particular emphasis is placed on early assessment of dental health, individualized evaluation of caries-risk, parental education, preventive measures using fluoridated dental products, and long-term multidisciplinary follow-up.Close collaboration among neonatologists, pediatricians, pediatric dentists, and caregivers is essential for the early identification of oral abnormalities and the implementation of timely preventive interventions.Integrating oral health surveillance into routine follow-up programs designed for preterm infants may reduce the burden of oral diseases and improve long-term oral health outcomes in this vulnerable population.