Premature Birth and Early Childhood Caries among Children 0-3 years

Objectives: Investigate the relationship between premature birth and Early Childhood Caries (ECC) among children aged 0-3 years
Methods: Data were collected from children’s records at the University of Iowa’s Infant Oral Health Program. Mothers completed questionnaire regarding their prenatal history and their child’s demographics, neonatal history, oral hygiene and dietary habits. Clinical evidence of plaque, enamel defects, and caries were obtained. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for significant associations detected by Chi-square tests (p<0.05).
Results: 885 children were included, 136 (15.4%) children were premature (<37 weeks gestational age), 50.5% were fale; median age was 18.1 months. Bivariate analysis revealed that children born prematurely were positively associated with: low birth weight (OR: 139.54, 95% CI: 33.09, 588.38), caregiver’s low dental health literacy (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.60), maternal health problems during pregnancy (OR: 5.00, 95% CI: 33.3, 7.52), medication use during pregnancy (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.89). Prematurity was also associated with child’s medical history (jaundice (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.99), intubation (OR: 5.52, 95% CI: 1.11, 5.74), and breathing difficulties (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.56, 4.39), serious illness (OR: 3.51, 95% CI: 3.51, 10.09), and hospitalization (OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 2.08, 4.73). Dietary factors of significant association were: breast feeding (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.46, 1.00), bottle feeding throughout the night (OR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.03, 3.76), nighttime consumption of cariogenic drinks/foods (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.47, 3.77), consumption of cariogenic beverages (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.85). Irregular dental care among children aged 12-36 months (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.26, 6.82) was reported.
Conclusions: This study showed a positive association between prematurity and important ECC risk factors. Premature children had a significantly higher percentage of dietary factors that increase ECC risk. Premature children and their parents should be targeted for preventive and early dental care in life.