Tooth Malformations, DMFT Index, Speech Impairment and Oral Habits in Patients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Moritz Blanck-Lubarsch, Dieter Dirksen, Reinhold Feldmann, Cristina Sauerland and Ariane Hohoff
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Moritz Blanck-Lubarsch: Department of Orthodontics, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
Dieter Dirksen: Department of Prosthodontics and Biomaterials, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
Reinhold Feldmann: Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
Cristina Sauerland: Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Münster, Schmeddingstraße 56, 48149 Münster, Germany
Ariane Hohoff: Department of Orthodontics, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-12

Abstract: Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a developmental disorder with severe negative lifetime consequences. Although knowledge about the harmfulness of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has spread, the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is very high. Our study aims at identifying fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)-associated dental anomalies or habits, which need early attention. Methods: Sixty children (30 FAS; 30 controls) were examined prospectively. Swallowing pattern, oral habits, breastfeeding, speech therapy, ergotherapy, physiotherapy, exfoliation of teeth, DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index, modified DDE (developmental defects of enamel) index and otitis media were recorded. Results: Swallowing pattern, exfoliation of teeth, and otitis media were not significantly different. Significant differences could be found concerning mouthbreathing ( p = 0.007), oral habits ( p = 0.047), age at termination of habits ( p = 0.009), speech treatment ( p = 0.002), ergotherapy, physiotherapy, and breastfeeding ( p ≤ 0.001). DMFT ( p ≤ 0.001) and modified DDE ( p = 0.001) index showed significantly higher values for children with fetal alcohol syndrome. Conclusions: Children with fetal alcohol syndrome have a higher need for early developmental promotion such as speech treatment, ergotherapy, and physiotherapy. Mouthbreathing, habits, and lack of breastfeeding may result in orthodontic treatment needs. High DMFT and modified DDE indexes hint at a higher treatment and prevention need in dentistry.

Keywords: fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD); fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS); tooth malformations; oral habits (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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