Dental Problems

Evidence 

Prevalence of enamel defects in premature children, care and treatment options 
Sara Alshammery,  Mais Alomran, Noura Alturki 

Prevalence of enamel defects in premature children, care and treatment options. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),1 Prematurity can be classified as mild, when the baby is born between the 35th and 36th weeks of gestation; moderate, if the birth occurs between the 31st and 34th weeks; or extreme, if the gestational age is less than or equal to 30 weeks.2,3 The birth of pre-term and/or low birth weight newborns represents a public health problem with increased economic, social, family, and individual costs4 Preventive and health promoting measures become necessary in order to improve the quality of life of these children. As such, knowing the risk factors to which they are subject is of fundamental importance for the adoption of such measures.5,6 

Education 

Premature babies have a higher chance for developing dental problems as teenagers. The majority of a babies stores of calcium and phosphorus are accumulated in the third trimester of pregnancy so when a baby is born premature, they do not have these accumulated stores. 

Problems include enamel hypoplasia, tooth discoloration, palatal groove and a possible increased risk for needing braces. 

Enamel hypoplasia means there is a lack of enamel on the outside of the teeth. This can lead to the thin enamel chipping away in which the teeth are more prone to fracture. It can also lead to yellow or brown stains on the teeth sensitivity to heat and cold. Causes are when the baby has breathing tubes in NICU as well as a lack of nutrients in the NICU.  Teenagers are more likely to develop cavities in their teeth and will need careful routine brushing and close monitoring. 

A palatal groove is a narrow groove in the roof of the mouth, which is caused by the baby having breathing tubes in the NICU. Some premature babies have developed grooves after having breathing tubes for as few as seven days, but generally speaking, the longer the time, the more likely a palatal groove will develop. It can result in overcrowding or poor positioning of the teeth which may increase the chance for needing braces. 

Teenagers with these Dental issues can be embarrassed in front of their peers and be reluctant to smile, it can isolate teenagers as it might prevent them from joining in on social activities. 

Empowerment  

We can empower teenagers by doing the following: 

• Ensure that they have developed good toothbrushing and flossing routines 

• Avoid sugary foods and drinks 

• Ensure they go to a dentist or orthodontist every 6 months 

• Increase their intake of fluoridated water 

Parents should talk to their teenager’s dentist on ways that they can improve the dental hygiene of their teenager. The dentist can also inform them of what might lie ahead in terms of getting their teenagers teeth restored. Being educated and informed can help ease any anxiety you or your teenager might feel. 

Useful Links 

NSW Government  

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/resources-children-6-17.aspx 

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2026 

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/dental-health-of-australias-teenagers-pre-teen/contents/summary 

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