Children born with very low birth weights (VLBWs) may face higher risks of oral health problems during adolescence, a new study suggests. Frequent cavities, gum inflammation, and other dental issues were more common among VLBW participants compared to peers with normal birth weights.
The study, led by E. Davidovich of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and published in Scientific Reports (October 28, 2025, Vol. 15(1), 37709), examined 102 children aged 10 to 13 born with VLBWs, comparing them to healthy, age- and sex-matched controls.
Researchers assessed oral hygiene using plaque and gingival indices, measured cavities through the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, and evaluated enamel defects and calculus formation.
Saliva samples were analyzed for inflammatory markers, including interleukins (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), as well as bacterial DNA from common oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Lactobacillus.
Results showed higher decay and filling rates in the VLBW group. Both plaque and gum inflammation scores were significantly elevated. TNFα levels were lower, while IL-6 was higher in VLBW children. Levels of F. nucleatum and Lactobacillus were reduced, and S. mutans was undetectable in both groups.
The authors noted that long-term factors, such as socioeconomic status and environmental conditions, may have influenced the findings. They emphasized that more large-scale, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the long-term oral health implications of VLBW.
“Our findings provide preliminary evidence that children born with very low birth weights may face increased oral health challenges in adolescence,” the study concluded, highlighting the potential need for closer dental monitoring and preventive care for this population.
