Enamel defects in the primary dentition of preterm and full-term children.

AIM: This study compared enamel defects in children born prematurely and at term.

METHOD: 96 children born at term (G1), and with 96 children born prematurely (G2) were studied.

RESULTS

A higher prevalence of enamel defects was found in the premature group, with a predominance of hypoplasia. In G1, 64 teeth displayed enamel defects (51 opacities and 13 hypoplasias). In G2, 110 defective teeth were found, (29 opacities and 81 hypoplasias). A significant correlation was found between very low birth weight (VLBW) and the presence of these defects (p < or = 0.001). The teeth most affected were the incisors, canines and molars.

CONCLUSION

Prematurity, in conjunction with other factors, can predispose children to enamel defects.