Effect of preterm birth on oral growth and development

Preterm and low birthweight children comprise approximately 6 per cent of all live births. They are prone to many serious medical problems during the neonatal period which may affect the development of oral tissues. The present paper reviews the results of this author's own decade of research into the oral development of preterm children in the light of current understanding of the field. Studies have shown a high prevalence of generalized enamel hypoplasia in the primary dentition of around 40-70 per cent in preterm children which is likely to be associated with low bone mineral stores. The clinical significance of enamel defects is poor aesthetics, and predisposition of the lesions to dental caries. Other dental defects observed in preterm children are localized enamel hypoplasia, crown dilacerations, and palatal distortions which are usually associated with traumatic laryngoscopy and prolonged endotracheal intubation. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that the rate of dental development, and dental eruption may be affected by preterm birth. Children with the lowest birthweight and shortest gestational ages have the lowest rates of dental development, particularly before six years of age. The results of these clinical studies may have significant implications in the dental management of preterm children.