Abstract
Enamel defects have been observed in the deciduous dentition of preterm infants, but few systematic studies have been carried out. A dental examination is part of the study of a cohort of infants weighing 2000g or less at birth for which comprehensive neonatal and maternal medical histories are available. The Fédération Dentaire Internationale index for developmental defects of enamel was used to record opacities (defective calcification), hypoplasis (deficient amount of enamel) or discolouration. Data from 86 children aged 3-5 years showed a much higher prevalence of defects than that found in a normal population (Murray J Shaw L Arch Oral Biol 1979; 24: 7-13 71 (81%) were affected with 49 (56%) having hypoplasia of one or more incisor. In our study, enamel was frequently missing from the incisal edge of incisors. This enamel begins to calcify at 4 months of intrauterine life and is maturing at birth. 16 children who had major neonatal illness all had hypoplasia of the incisal edge of one or more incisor. This may indicate developmental disturbances in the second half of pregnancy or reflect post-natal influences on maturation. Trauma from endotracheal intubation has been postulated as an aetiological factor but due to the symmetry of the lesion the authors favour sytemic disturbances.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fearne, J., Bryan, E., Elliman, A. et al. ENAMEL DEFECTS IN DECIDIOUS DENTITION OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS. Pediatr Res 19, 1117 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00272
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00272
