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I first learned about dental problems connected with prematurity when my oldest son was about three. When we took him for his first dental visit, our dentist confirmed that the spots I had noticed on his teeth were due to his experiences as a premature baby.
My son was born at twenty-nine weeks and weighed two pounds. He had high levels of bilirubin while in the NICU, which resulted in the discoloration of his baby teeth. There was no way to remove the spots, and it was unlikely that they would appear on my son’s permanent teeth.
Considering how early he was born, we got off easy when it comes to my son’s dental issues. Along with teeth discoloration, premature babies’ teeth can be affected in a number of ways as they grow and develop.
Enamel Formation
Problems with abnormal enamel formation can occur in children who were born prematurely. This condition, also known as enamel hypoplasia, means there’s a lack of the white enamel that covers and protects our teeth. This condition occurs about four times more often in children born prematurely.
Abnormal enamel formation can range from mild to severe. As my son has developed his permanent teeth, he’s prone to cavities, while other children have had to have extensive dental work to fight this condition. Like much about prematurity, you have to wait and see regarding this particular situation.
Delayed Teething
The “wait and see” attitude also accompanies the question of when exactly your premature baby will start producing teeth. I was shocked when my son broke his first tooth at three months, which was actually when he was supposed to have been born.
Like other developmental milestones, a premature baby will most likely be delayed when it comes to tooth eruption. Unfortunately, there’s no definitive time table; instead it depends on your child’s individual development.
A Groovy Hard Palate
The hard palate (or “roof” of the mouth) can form a high groove or arch due to long-term intubation in the NICU. Most children will learn to compensate for the difference. However, continuing complications can include sucking and hearing problems, difficulties with speech, and poor positioning of teeth.
The American Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist as early as one year old. Both of my children didn’t officially visit the dentist until they were each three years old and I had a small chance of reasoning with them; if I had any questions before that, I asked our pediatrician.
Above all, born prematurely or not, make sure that your children are getting the best basic oral hygiene they can. Help them brush twice a day, floss their teeth, and ensure they are receiving adequate amounts of fluoride. These good habits will last a lifetime.
Kelly Wilson is a busy mom and freelance writer who visits her dentist in Oregon City, Oregon regularly to ensure a clean, healthy smile.