The impact of very low birth weight on children’s oral health in adolescence

Abstract

To assess immunological, microbial, dental, and pH saliva characteristics and their associations in children aged 10–13 years born with very low birth weights (VLBWs). A cohort of 102 children aged 10–13 years born with VLBWs were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy birth controls to assess oral hygiene and gingival inflammation levels, caries status, enamel defects, oral mucosal pH, salivary protein, and microbial and cytokines levels. DMF, plaque, and gingival indices were greater in the VLBW group compared to the controls. Oral pH was significantly more acidic in the VLBW group than in the controls, excluding the right buccal-mucosa site. TNFα in the saliva was reduced, while salivary IL-6 was elevated in the VLBW group compared to the controls. Furthermore, the VLBW group had reduced levels of total salivary bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Lactobacillus compared to the controls. A negative correlation was found between IL-10 and the gingival index. VLBW children may exhibit higher rates of dental decay, enamel defects, and gingival inflammation, along with altered oral pH, salivary cytokine levels (including increased IL-6 and decreased TNFα), and a reduced presence of salivary bacteria, including F. nucleatum and Lactobacillus, suggesting a potential association with a distinct oral health profile compared with controls.