Oral Aspects in Adolescents Born Extremely Preterm: Results From the National Swedish Cohort Study
Susanne Brogårdh‐Roth, Fredrik Serenius, Liselotte Paulsson, Anna Alm, Shyina Tai, Thomas Abrahamsson, David Ley, Lisa B. Thorell, Karin Källén, EwaCarin EkbergABSTRACT
Background
Taking a holistic approach to the health outcomes of extremely preterm (EPT) adolescents, where oral health is a part of general health, is important to ensure lifelong wellbeing.
Objective
This interdisciplinary cross‐sectional survey investigated oral health aspects, including temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain, desire for orthodontic treatment, dental fear and anxiety (DFA), and oral health behaviour in adolescents born before 27 weeks of gestation. Comparisons were made with term‐born controls (≥ 37 weeks of gestation).
Methods
Structured telephone interviews were conducted with adolescents and their parents. The questionnaire included validated screening questions on TMD pain and DFA, as well as questions on subjective orthodontic treatment need and oral health behaviour. Group comparisons were performed using chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs), controlling for sex, age, and dental fear.
Results
A total of 198 EPT adolescents (mean age 15.8) and 152 controls (mean age 15.7) participated. The odds of reporting TMD pain were 2.43 times higher in the EPT group than in controls ( p = 0.002), and the odds of reporting a desire for orthodontic treatment were 3.48 times higher ( p = 0.001). Additionally, the EPT group showed significantly higher Children's Fear Survey Schedule‐Dental Subscale (CFSS‐DS) scores, indicating higher DFA and less stable toothbrushing habits than controls.
Conclusion
EPT adolescents showed a less favourable oral health profile than controls. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness in dental care, tailored preventive interventions, and support during the transition to adult healthcare to promote lifelong oral health and wellbeing.