Perinatal and Neonatal Factors Affecting the Chronology of Primary Dentition in High-Risk NICU Graduates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES

Tooth eruption may serve as a potential indicator of systemic health and a potent developmental milestone in children. This study evaluated the impact of perinatal and neonatal risk factors on the chronology of primary tooth eruption among high-risk infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODS AND

RESULTS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 232 high-risk infants. Maternal and neonatal data were extracted from validated medical records. Oral examinations were performed to record the timing of erupted primary teeth. Delayed eruption scoring was based on deviations from established mean eruption ages ( ± 2 SD). Logistic regression was used to assess associations between risk factors and delayed tooth eruption (DTE). The mean age of first primary tooth eruption was 6.9 ± 2.6 months. The overall prevalence of delayed primary tooth eruption was 9.1%. Emergence of the first primary tooth was observed earlier in preterm infants ( < 37 weeks) (p = 0.001). Infants born to mothers with PIH (pregnancy-induced hypertension) had earlier first deciduous tooth eruption compared to those without PIH (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

The study advocates for early risk assessment and early dental referrals. Furthermore, the study identified associations between gestational age, maternal PIH, and timing of tooth eruption, underscoring the importance of early oral assessment in high-risk infants.