Dental Problems

Evidence  

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36352446/ 

António Vicente, Lubna Alward, Anna-Paulina Wiedel, Magnus Becker, Xie-Qi Shi, Kristina Hellén-Halme, Susanne Brogårdh-Roth. 

Extremely preterm-born children missed significantly more dental appointments and presented with more DBMP during dental examinations and treatment than full term-born children in the 3-6-year age group. 

Education 

A premature birth can result in an increased risk of dental health concerns in both childhood and later in life.  

The majority of a baby’s stores of calcium and phosphorus are accumulated in the third trimester of pregnancy so when a baby is born premature, they do not have these accumulated stores. 

Problems include enamel hypoplasia, tooth discoloration, palatal groove, and a possible increased risk for needing braces. 

Enamel hypoplasia means there is a lack of enamel on the outside of the teeth. This can lead to the thin enamel chipping away in which the teeth are more prone to fracture. Causes are when the baby has breathing tubes in NICU as well as a lack of nutrients in the NICU.  Preschool aged children are more likely to develop cavities in their teeth and will need careful routine brushing and close monitoring. 

Tooth discoloration occurs in premature babies that had high bilirubin levels in the NICU.  A yellow or brown colour is seen only on the primary teeth and cannot be removed by brushing or having them cleaned by the dentist. 

A palatal groove is a narrow groove in the roof of the mouth, which is caused by the baby having breathing tubes in the NICU. Some premature babies have developed grooves after having breathing tubes for as few as seven days, but generally speaking the longer the time, the more likely a palatal groove will develop. It can result in overcrowding or poor positioning of the teeth which may increase the chance for needing braces. 

Empowerment 

An early start in preventing tooth decay can have lifelong benefits and Child Health Professionals are in a good position to provide preventive information, early assessment, early identification, and referral. 

As parents we can be empowered by doing the following with our child: 

• Develop good toothbrushing habits, teeth should be cleaned two times a day, first thing in morning and before bedtime. 

• Avoid sugary foods and drinks. 

• Attend regular dentist appointments with your child every 6-12 months. 

Parents should talk to their child’s dentist on ways that they can improve the dental hygiene of their child. The dentist can also inform them of what might lie ahead in terms of getting their child’s teeth restored. Being educated and informed can ease any anxiety they might feel. 

Useful Links  

Raising Children 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/health-daily-care/dental-care/dental-care-preschoolers 

Dental Health Services, Victoria  

https://www.dhsv.org.au/oral-health-advice/dental-health-advice/preschool-children 

NSW Government 

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/resources-children-0-5.aspx 

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