Pre‐term birth and asthma is associated with hypomineralized second primary molars in pre‐schoolers: A population‐based study

AbstractBackgroundHypomineralized second primary molar (HSPM) is a developmental enamel defect that represents a caries‐risk factor. There are few studies about HSPM epidemiology in representative populations.AimTo determine the prevalence and factors associated with HSPM in pre‐schoolers.DesignThis is a cross‐sectional population‐based study of 5‐year‐old pre‐schoolers from Teresina, Brazil. The sample was randomly selected and stratified by geographic region of the city, type of school (public and private), and sex of the pre‐schoolers (n = 811). Sociodemographic status and pre‐, peri‐, and post‐natal conditions were collected by structured questionnaires. Two calibrated examiners diagnosed HSPM using the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry for molar‐incisor hypomineralization. Severity, colour, location, and extent of lesions were also evaluated. Descriptive analysis of the data and a Poisson regression analysis were performed (P < .05).ResultsThe prevalence of HSPM was 14.9. Demarcated opacities (75.6%) and white/cream colour were the most prevalent (71.4%). Pre‐term pre‐schoolers had 66% (PR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.07‐2.58), and those who reported asthma in the first year of life had 69% (PR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.01‐2.85) higher prevalence of HSPM.ConclusionsPre‐term birth and reported asthma in the first year of life were associated with HSPM. The prevalence of HSPM in pre‐schoolers aged 5 years old in Teresina was high.