ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of enamel defects and their risk factors on primary and permanent dentitions of prematurely born children and full-term born children born at Regional Hospital of Asa Sul, Brasília, DF, Brazil.Material and MethodsEighty 5-10-year-old children of both genders were examined, being 40 born prematurely (G1) and 40 born full term (G2). The demographic variables, medical history and oral health behaviors were retrieved using a questionnaire and data obtained from clinical examination were recorded. The teeth were examined and the presence of enamel defects was diagnosed according to the DDE Index and registered in odontograms. Subsequently, the defects were categorized in four groups according to one of the criteria proposed in 1992 by the FDI Commission on Oral Health, Research and Epidemiology. Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, Kappa, Mann-Whitney tests and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.Results75% of total sample had enamel defects. There was a major prevalence of hypoplasia of the enamel in G1 (p<0.001). There was a significant relationship between low weight and presence of the imperfections on the enamel in G1 on the primary dentition. The logistic regression model showed that the other risk factors such as monthly per capita family income, educational level, dietary and hygiene habits, fluoride exposure, trauma, and diseases were not associated with enamel defects and caries.ConclusionsPre-term labor can be a predisposing factor for the presence of the enamel hypoplasia in the primary dentition.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries in 192 children, 96 born prematurely and 96 at full term, in a regional hospital in Brazil. Mean age at clinical examination was 40.72 months in the full-term group (G1) and 30.44 months in the premature group (G2). The children were divided in two age subgroups: 0 to 3 and 4 to 6 years. Statistical results (Student's t and Kruskal-Wallis tests) showed that dmft was 0.43 for G1 and 0.01 for G2 in the 0-3 age subgroup, and 1.7 for G1 and 1.1 for G2 in the 4-6 age subgroup. Differences were significant between G1 and G2 only in the 0-3 age subgroup (p = 0.047). Caries evaluation showed that, of the 96 children in G1, 75 were caries free, while in G2, 84 did not have the disease. These differences were not significant (p = 0.088). The lower mean dmft found in the 0-3 age subgroup in G2 may be attributed to routines established by the hospital's neonatology staff, such as frequent dental visits and preventive instructions about oral habits, oral hygiene and diet. After this age, with the completion of the primary dentition, values increased and became similar between the G1 and G2 groups. Results also suggested a highly skewed distribution since most caries were found in only a small number of children.

Computerized analysis assessed quantitatively the efficacy of microabrasion using 37% phosphoric and 18% hydrochloric acids with pumice on removal of enamel opacities. Baseline and after one month photos were taken and analyzed by Paint Shop Pro 7 software and Image Pro Express 4.0. Nonparametric tests were used. Results depicted significant differences immediately versus one month post treatment for both acids. It was concluded that both acids can be used, and as time passes enamel color improvement occurs. J Clin Pediatr Dent 29(2): 147-150,2005

Prevalence of dental caries and cariesrelated risk factors in premature and term children Abstract: This study evaluated the prevalence of enamel defects and dental caries and their risk factors on primary and permanent dentitions of prematurely-born children and term children. Eighty children were examined, 40 born prematurely (G1) and 40 born term (G2), in the age group between 5 and 10 years. The demographic variables, medical history and oral health behaviors were recorded on a questionnaire. The teeth were examined for presence of deficiencies of the enamel and caries that were registered. The caries were registered, focusing on the indices dmft (decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth) and DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth). The results showed that 75% of the total sample had enamel defects. The logistic regression model showed that other risk factors such as per capita family income, educational level, dietary and hygiene habits, fluoride exposure, trauma, and diseases had no correlation with enamel defects and caries. A smaller value of total DMFT (0.95) was found in the group of premature children in comparison to the term children (2.07) p = 0.0164. There was no difference concerning the permanent dentition between the two groups (p = 0.9926). One concludes that prematurity can't be a predisposing factor for the presence of dental caries.

ResumoApesar dos avanços na Odontologia, muitos cirurgiões dentistas ainda possuem a concepção de que o tratamento odontológico à gestante deve ser postergado e que procedimentos como tomadas radiográficas e anestesias não devem ser realizados. Entretanto sabe-se que nesse período a gestante constitui um grupo de risco uma vez que as mudanças hormonais, físicas e psicológicas podem desencadear um desequilíbrio à saúde bucal da mulher. Dessa forma, o objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi esclarecer e atualizar as recomendações sobre o pré-natal odontológico. A literatura científica mostra que o atendimento odontológico as gestantes é seguro e que apresenta muitos benefícios, tanto para a mãe quanto para o próprio bebê.Palavras-chave: Gestantes, Saúde Bucal, Protocolos Clínicos. AbstractDespite the advances in dentistry, many dentists still have the idea that dental treatment to pregnant women should be delayed and that procedures such as X-ray and anesthesia taken should not be performed. However it is known that during this period the mother is a risk group as the hormonal, physical and psychological changes can trigger an imbalance to the oral health of the woman. Thus, the purpose of this review was to clarify and update the recommendations on dental prenatal care. The scientific literature shows that dental care in pregnant women is safe and has many benefits for both the mother and the baby itself. ResumenA pesar de los avances en la odontología, muchos dentistas todavía tienen la idea de que el tratamiento dental a mujeres embarazadas debe retrasarse y que los procedimientos como los rayos X y la anestesia tomada no deben realizarse. Sin embargo, se sabe que en este período, la madre es un grupo de riesgo por los cambios hormonales, físicos y psicológicos que pueden provocar un desequilibrio en la salud bucal de la mujer. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta revisión es aclarar y actualizar las recomendaciones sobre el cuidado prenatal dental. La literatura científica muestra que el cuidado dental en las mujeres embarazadas es seguro y tiene muchos beneficios tanto para la