Oral abnormalities in Taiwanese newborns.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of oral abnormalities in newborns in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

METHODS

Study subjects were neonates born at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 2000 and April 2000 (inclusive). All subjects were examined within 3 days of birth. Babies with craniofacial anomalies and/or other systemic diseases requiring intensive care were excluded. A dentist examined newborns using mirrors, tongue blades, and a flashlight.

RESULTS

The authors examined a total of 420 neonates and found the frequency to be 94% for oral cysts and 1% for natal and neonatal teeth. Neither the frequency of palatal and gingival cysts of the newborn nor that of natal and neonatal teeth was associated with gender, body weight, and gestation age.

CONCLUSIONS

Babies born at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital demonstrate a high rate (94%) of oral cysts of the newborns.