[Prevalence of dental caries in children with low birth weight]

ABSTRACT

Dental caries was evaluated in 58 children with low birth weight [750-2500 g] and in a control group of 58 children with birth weights greater than 2500 g. All children were examined for their caries experience using a standardized clinical examination. The results showed a higher prevalence of caries in the children with low birth weight [77.5%] than in the children with birth weights greater than 2500 g [44.8%], the difference being statistically significant [P < 0.001]. There was a negative correlation between birth weight groups and prevalence of caries [r = -0.34]. It was concluded that children with low birth weight have a greater risk of dental caries than others