Identification of oral cavity abnormalities in pre-term and full-term newborns: a cross-sectional and comparative study

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2020 Oct;21(5):581-586. doi: 10.1007/s40368-019-00499-5. Epub 2019 Dec 6.

Abstract

Purpose: Compare maxillary labial frenum and lingual frenum topography, the ridges relationship and oral inclusion cysts occurrence between pre-term (PT) and full-term newborns (FT).

Methods: This cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted through the evaluation of 74 PT and 100 FT. Data were collected from medical records: mother age, gestational age, gender, height, weight, and delivery type. The variables were verified by Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test, at 5% significance level.

Results: Bohn's nodules and dental lamina cysts were more frequent in FT (P = 0.000). Epstein pearls occurrence was similar between FT and PT (P = 0.243). The lower alveolar ridge in distal position to the upper one was more prevalent in both groups. Abnormal upper labial frenum anatomy had been observed in 10.0% of FT. Upper labial frenum was attached in piriform papilla in 90.5% of PTG, whereas in FT, 61.0% were attached from crest of alveolar ridge to mucogingival line.

Conclusions: PT oral cavity presented some peculiarities when compared with FT: maxillary labial frenum insertion in the Piriform papilla and palatal cysts more prevalent than alveolar cysts.

Keywords: Maxilla; Oral manifestations; Premature birth; Term birth.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Gingival Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Labial Frenum*
  • Palate