Dental behavioural management problems and dental caries prevalence in 3- to 6-year-old Swedish children born preterm.

Background: Today, most children born preterm survive without major impairments. But high frequencies of cognitive and behavioural difficulties arise. Studies on dental behavioural management problems (DBMP) in these children are lacking. In addition, studies on caries prevalence are few and inconclusive.

Aim: This study aims to compare the frequency of behavioural problems and poor compliance with dental treatment in preschool children born preterm with those born full-term. The prevalence of caries was also studied.

Methods: The study group included 187 children born between 23 and 32 weeks of gestation. The control group constituted full-term children matched by age, sex, immigrant background, and dental operator. DBMP, number of dental visits, missed appointments, and caries between ages 3 and 6 were noted.

Results: At age 3, but not at age 6, the prevalence of DBMP at clinical examinations was significantly higher in preterm children compared with the control group. Of the children who received dental treatments during preschool years, preterm children displayed significantly more DBMP. No significant difference in dental visits or in caries prevalence was found. Preterm children, however, missed significantly more dental appointments.

Conclusion: Children born preterm display a higher prevalence of DBMP at dental examinations and treatments during preschool years.