Oral Conditions In Very Low And Extremely Low Birth Weight Children

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral conditions in very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) children. Methods: Fifty-two VLBW and ELBW 2- to 4-year-old children (V/ELBW group) were evaluated and compared with 52 normal birth weight children (NBW group). The oral examination was performed in accordance with World Health Organization criteria. The parents/guardians answered a structural questionnaire about the children's feeding and oral habits. The prenatal, natal, and neonatal information was obtained from the hospital files. Results: The enamel defects, such as demarcated opacity and hypoplasia, had a significant association with prematurity and VLBW and ELBW. The breast-feeding and bruxism were more often in the NBW group, whereas nocturnal bottle-feeding, pacifier use, and high frequency of oral hygiene were associated with prematurity and lower birth-weight. V/ELBW group children were at a 12.5 and 6.6 times greater risk of presenting demarcated opacity and hypoplasia, respectively, than NBW children. The risk of presenting nocturnal bottle-feeding, good oral hygiene, and enamel defects was significantly higher for the V/ELBW group. 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