Impact of socioeconomic factors on deciduous teeth eruption among infants born after low-risk pregnancy compared to infants diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction.

AIM: The aim is to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on deciduous teeth eruption among infants born after low-risk pregnancy and infants diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: The cross-sectional study included 110 neonates recruited at birth using stratified random sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Neonates diagnosed without IUGR were allocated to Group I (n = 55) and those diagnosed with IUGR were allocated to Group II (n = 55). The perinatal case history was recorded, followed by intraoral examination at birth, 6 months, and monthly up to 1 year or till first evidence of teeth eruption.

RESULTS

The difference between both groups based on socioeconomic status (SES) was found statistically significant (P = 0.043). The first evidence of eruption of deciduous teeth was found delayed in Group II (P = 0.0001). Secondary school education was found statistically significant between both the groups (P = 0.024). The difference between the two groups based on religion (P = 0.353) and gravidity (P = 0.571) was found statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

Lower SES and secondary maternal education can be considered statistically significant risk factors of IUGR and delayed deciduous teeth eruption. No correlation of IUGR with religion and gravidity was found.