Prematurity has been identified as a leading cause of enamel defects since the 1930s. These defects range from color modifications to more severe dental anomalies. Despite the long-standing recognition of this correlation, there is limited contemporary data on the prevalence of Developmental Enamel Defects (DED) in the primary dentition of children born with very low birth weight (VLBW). This study aims to assess the prevalence of DED in the primary dentition of children aged 12 to 60 months who were born with VLBW. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 93 children followed at a reference university centers outpatient clinic for preterm infants. An intraoral physical examination was performed by a single examiner using the Modified Development Defects of Enamel Index. The prevalence (95% CI) of DDE was 67% (57 to 76), with enamel hypoplasia being the most frequent defect, predominantly affecting the upper incisors. The findings of this study highlight the significant prevalence of DED in children born with VLBW, underscoring the need for targeted dental care and preventive measures in this high-risk group. Early identification and intervention are crucial to mitigate the long-term oral health challenges faced by these children.
Susin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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