Evaluation of the risk factors of dental caries in children with very low birth weight and normal birth weight

Abstract Background Health problems of premature infants can affect both general and oral health. The enamel defects, poor dietary hygiene habits may predispose these children to dental caries. This study was conducted assess the impact very low birth weight prematurity on caries risk in early childhood. Methods cohort consists 189 one year old infants. Anamnestic data were obtained from hospital records, feeding practice, bed-time sugar drinks onset questionnaires. Saliva samples their mothers collected for detection cariogenic pathogens. Results VLBW newborns had significantly shorter gestation age (29.6 vs. 38.8)) lower mean birthweight (1124 g vs 3315 g) compared NBW ones (p < 0.0001). Statistical significance has been found presence morbidity 0.0001) regular medication intake = 0.007). got more frequently sweetened during day night Regular practice frequent full term group 0.002). There statistical difference hypoplasia 0.033) but no hypomineralization 0.0736) comparison individuals. Proportional representation count S. mutans did not reveal neither groups 0.484) nor 0.385). Conclusions confirmed anamnestic medical differences between groups. proportional children, mothers.