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

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. MATERIALS: 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.