A survey of the oral lesions in newborns and infants: A two-year cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction. Oral lesions in newborns and infants represent a wide range of diseases often creating apprehension and anxiety among parents. Aim. We aimed to assess the type, prevalence and associated factors of oral lesions in newborns and infants. Material and methods. Participants were recruited during a two-year cross-sectional study among children who had their first teething assessed. The mothers answered medical history questions and the children underwent a clinical examination by paediatric dentists after training, calibration, and pilot study. Results. Two hundred and forty-eight children aged up to 12 months took part in the study. The mean number of teeth (SD) was 1.96 (2.55). 1.25% of children had natal teeth. Dental caries was observed in 3.2% children; traumatic dental injuries caused by falling in 7%; enamel hypoplasia in 1.9%, and mucosal lesions in 19.8% (Bohn’s nodules, mucocele, candidiasis). Conclusions. Oral lesions in infants may involve teething, teeth and oral mucosa. One child out of five children has mucosal lesions, most often Bohn’s nodules or candidiasis. There is a significant correlation between the prevalence of natal/neonatal teeth and of Bohn’s nodules.