The association between low birth weight and dental caries among 11-to-13-year-old school age children in Ningbo, China

Xiaoyan Weng,Yongzheng Li,Mengfei Yu,Danna Cao,Ran Tao,Binbin Ying,Yiting Lou,Huiming Wang

doi:10.1186/s12887-021-02968-7

Xiaoyan Weng, Yongzheng Li + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02968-7

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Abstract

BackgroundThe association between low birth weight (LBW) and dental caries is currently unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of LBW with dental caries in permanent teeth in children of Ningbo city.MethodsA total of 1975 children aged 11-to-13 years in Ningbo, China were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. LBW was defined as a birthweight< 2500 g. Ten dentists assessed the status of dental caries in permanent teeth in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and guidelines. Decayed, missing or filled teeth were considered to have dental caries. Parental questionnaires were used to collect child information. Non-conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsDental caries in permanent teeth was found in 610 children (30.9%), with a mean DMFS of 2.09 (SD = 1.2). The adjusted ORs for dental caries in permanent teeth was 1.46 (95% CI 1.00, 2.13) for LBW.ConclusionsLBW was not associated with dental caries in permanent teeth in the study population.

Highlights

Low birth weight (LBW) risk factors, such as maternal diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and older age, have been on the rise, making low birth weight (LBW) a major public health issue in China [1]
There was no association between LBW and dental caries in permanent teeth after adjusting for confounding factors. In this cross-sectional study, LBW was not associated with dental caries
This is consistent with findings in a retrospective cohort research in the USA, which found no increased risk of caries in very low birth weight (VLBW) group [3]

Summary

Introduction

Low birth weight (LBW) risk factors, such as maternal diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and older age, have been on the rise, making LBW a major public health issue in China [1]. Advances in technology have decreased the mortality rate due to LBW. Previous studies found that LBW and preterm children result in poor dental health and hygiene [4]. Prematurity and LBW have been found to only affect the enamel structure of the primary teeth since permanent teeth mineralize only after birth. The association of LBW with dental caries is unclear [4, 13,14,15,16]. The association between low birth weight (LBW) and dental caries is currently unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of LBW with dental caries in permanent teeth in children of Ningbo city

Objectives

Methods

Results