Identification of oral cavity abnormalities in pre-term and full-term newborns: a cross-sectional and comparative study.

PURPOSE: Compare maxillary labial frenum and lingual frenum topography, the ridges relationship and oral inclusion cysts occurrence between pre-term (PT) and full-term newborns (FT). METHODS: This cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted through the evaluation of 74 PT and 100 FT. Data were collected from medical records: mother age, gestational age, gender, height, weight, and delivery type. The variables were verified by Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test, at 5% significance level. RESULTS: Bohn's nodules and dental lamina cysts were more frequent in FT (P = 0.000). Epstein pearls occurrence was similar between FT and PT (P = 0.243). The lower alveolar ridge in distal position to the upper one was more prevalent in both groups. Abnormal upper labial frenum anatomy had been observed in 10.0% of FT. Upper labial frenum was attached in piriform papilla in 90.5% of PTG, whereas in FT, 61.0% were attached from crest of alveolar ridge to mucogingival line. CONCLUSIONS: PT oral cavity presented some peculiarities when compared with FT: maxillary labial frenum insertion in the Piriform papilla and palatal cysts more prevalent than alveolar cysts.

Maxillary arch dimensions in the first 6 months of life and their relationship with pacifier use.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the maxillary arch dimensions at birth and 6 months of life, and to verify the influence of pacifier use on palatal development. METHODS: Maxillary arch impressions were taken from 80 full-term newborns, appropriate for gestational age, from 24 to 72 h of life, and repeated after 6 months. Anatomical references were mapped on dental casts and measurements were taken. Parents were questioned about feeding practices and sucking habits. Data were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis test and hierarchical mixed regression model (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Anterior maxillary segment (median [interquartile range]) presented an increase in transverse (Δ% = 81.90 [74.40-89.70]) and in length (Δ% = 76.20 [49.10-102.70]) relative growth. No differences were detected in palatine depth from birth (11.00 mm [10.30-11.70]) to 6 months (12.60 mm [12.0-13.90]). CONCLUSIONS: Pacifier use was positively related to the increase in anterior segment length. In the first 6 months of life, the greatest relative growth of the maxillary arch occurs in the anterior region, showing this growth does not occur homogeneously. The use of pacifiers came to influence this process, even before the eruption of the upper incisors.

Influence of a preschool preventive dental programme on caries prevalence, oral care and secretory immunity to Streptococcus mutans in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate oral hygiene habits, decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and surfaces (DMFS), dental care, dietetic habits and anti-Streptococcus mutans salivary secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in young adults who attended a preventive programme during preschool age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group (Baby Clinic) comprised 72 patients, aged 18-25 years, who had participated in the Baby Clinic preventive programme. The control group was age- and gender-matched. The patients were examined and unstimulated whole saliva was sampled for detection of anti-S. mutansSIgA antibodies. RESULTS: Control patients presented increased DMFS scores (P < .05). Hygiene habits, cariogenic diet and antibody levels were not different between groups (P > .05). Baby Clinic patients presented better periodontal status (P < .005), less calculus (P < .005) and bleeding on probing (P < .005), and reported visiting dental services more regularly (P < .05). Adjusted multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that DMFT was associated with study group (P < .05), gender (P < .05), parents' education (P < .05), carbohydrate intake (P < .001) and levels of anti-S. mutansSIgA (P < .007). DMFS was associated with time elapsed since the last visit to the dentist (P < .005) and weekly carbohydrate intake (P < .005). CONCLUSION: Preventive programmes for preschool children positively impact on DMFS and periodontal status in young adults, but have no long-term effects on dietary or hygiene habits.