The association between infant growth and the occurrence of developmental defects of enamel at 12 years old

Abstract

Background: Dysfunction of ameloblasts in the early childhood may result in the occurrence of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in the permanent teeth. Aim: To investigate the association between infant growth during the first year of life and the occurrence of DDE in the permanent dentition. Design: A random sample of 668, 12-year-old students was recruited from a birth cohort. Permanent incisors and first molars were clinically examined for DDE (demarcated opacities, diffuse opacities and hypoplasia) using the modified FDI (DDE) Index. Multivariable negative binomial regression was used to examine the association of growth from birth to 12 months with the subsequent occurrence of DDE. Three different models are employed: model one, unadjusted; model 2, adjusted for potential confounders; model 3, additionally adjusted for birth weight for age z-score......