ABSTRACT
Context: Eruption of primary teeth is the most anticipated event in a child’s life. Genetics, gender, socio?economic status, gestational age are a few of the determinants of the primary teeth eruption. However, the effect of gestational age on the timing of primary teeth eruption among the Indian population has not been explored to date. Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of gestational age on time and sequence of eruption of primary teeth among children of Mysore. Settings and Design: A prospective longitudinal cohort study design was conducted at ‘Baby Oral Health Promotion Clinic’ at the Department of Paediatrics, JSS Hospital, Mysore. Methods and Material: 150 newborn babies were recruited by simple random sampling and followed up from birth to 36 months. Teeth present during each visit were recorded. Data were statistically analysed and interpreted. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics, t?test for an independent sample, and Pearson’s Chi?squared test were applied. Results: The mandibular central incisor was the first tooth to erupt. Statistically insignificant early eruption in males was noted in both term and preterm children. When the chronological ages were compared, the preterm group showed a statistically significant delay in the eruption of all the teeth. However, when the age was adjusted for prematurity, only the central incisors and second molars showed a statistically significant delay. Conclusions: Gestational age has a strong significant association with the eruption of primary teeth and maybe one of the strong predictors for delayed eruption among children of Mysore.