Oral Health Status of Low Birth Weight and Preterm Children

The World Health Organization (WHO) define the low birth weight as a birth weight at term under 2,5 kg and the preterm birth as a child birth occuring at less than 37 weeks. The generalized or localized enamel hypoplasia in the primary and permanent dentitions have been reported as the most frequently observed dental defects in low birth weight or preterm born children. In addition, high caries risk could also be seen due to feeding problems and biological/socioeconomic factors. In this article, the studies regarding the oral health of low birth weight and preterm children have been assessed.