Methods: A random sample of 668, 12-year-old students was recruited from a birth cohort. Permanent incisors and first molars were clinically examined for DDE using the modified FDI (DDE) Index. Multivariable negative binomial regression was used to examine the association of growth trajectory (5 categories) from birth to 12 months with the occurrence of DDE (any defects, demarcated opacities, diffuse opacities, and hypoplasia) in the permanent dentition. Potential confounders included gender, gestational age, parental education, type of birth, hospitalization, and health status.
Results: The response rate was 76.9% (n = 514). Four hundred and eighty-five children had complete records of growth and health related data. Infants who had birth weights closer to the WHO average and rapid growth were more likely to have “demarcated opacities” in their permanent incisors and first molars (p<0.05). Heavier birth weights and rapid growth were found to be associated with the occurrence of “demarcated opacities” and “hypoplasia” (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Infants with heavy birth weight and rapid growth were more vulnerable to the occurrence of DDE in their permanent dentition. (The work described in this abstract was fully supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China [Project No. 782811].)