Is there an association between low birth weight and caries in the primary dentition?

Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts

Abstract

Using data from 4,207 children in the NHANES III study, this investigation found no association.

Main

Shulman JD Caries Res 2005; 39: 161–167

Early childhood caries is associated with prolonged use of bottle feeding, night feeding, and use of cariogenic foods. This study explored data from the national US survey involving subjects born from 1982 to 1994 Preterm birth was defined as < 36 weeks, and low birth weight as < 2,500 g. Children were examined at 2+ yrs for carious or filled surfaces.

Preterm birth affected 442 children, and low birth weight, 281. The main factors associated with deciduous dentition caries in the final multivariate model were minority ethnic groups, low income, and bottle use after 19 months. There was a significant inverse association of breast feeding with caries. Factors found to be unassociated included maternal smoking, low birth weight, preterm birth, maternal risk factors, and adverse gestational events.