Enamel Defects in the Primary Dentition of Preterm and Full Term Children

Aim: This study compared enamel defects in children born prematurely and at term. Method: 96 children born at term (G1), and with 96 children born prematurely (G2) were studied. Results: A higher prevalence of enamel defects was found in the premature group, with a predominance of hypoplasia. In G1, 64 teeth displayed enamel defects (51 opacities and 13 hypoplasias). In G2, 110 defective teeth were found, (29 opacities and 81 hypoplasias). A significant correlation was found between very low birth weight (VLBW) and the presence of these defects (p?0.001). The teeth most affected were the incisors, canines and molars. Conclusion: Prematurity, in conjunction with other factors, can predispose children to enamel defects.