Oral mucosal lesions in newborns: Relationship with prematurity, low birth weight, and associated factors

Background: An increase in prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) has been observed worldwide, to which several factors may be associated. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the relationship between gestational age and LBW with oral mucosal lesions in newborns, maternal health conditions, newborn health conditions, and socioeconomic levels. Materials and Methods: The sample was comprised of 431 pairs of mothers-newborns born from a high and medium complexity hospital (CAAE no: 57295316.3.0000.5149). Maternal health conditions and childbirth information were collected through the medical records and mothers answered a questionnaire on socioeconomic indicators. Oral mucosal lesions were evaluated by oral clinical examination. Gestational age and birth weight were analyzed, together with oral mucosal lesions and related factors, through bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models (α = 5%). Results: Prematurity and LBW were associated with Epstein pearls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–3.0; OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–3.2, respectively) and mucocele (OR: 4.6; 95% CI: 1.3–16.1; OR: 3.7; 95% CI: 1.1–13.1, respectively), but not ankyloglossia (OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.5–2.1; OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.3–1.6, respectively) or breastfeeding (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.1-2.1; OR: 1.9; 95% IC: 0.2–15.6, respectively). Conclusion: Preterm and LBW newborns were more likely to have Epstein pearls and mucocele than full terms. Breastfeeding and ankyloglossia were not associated with prematurity and LBW.