Impact of socioeconomic factors on deciduous teeth eruption among infants born after low-risk pregnancy compared to infants diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction.

Aim: The aim is to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on deciduous teeth eruption among infants born after low-risk pregnancy and infants diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Materials and methodology: The cross-sectional study included 110 neonates recruited at birth using stratified random sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Neonates diagnosed without IUGR were allocated to Group I (n = 55) and those diagnosed with IUGR were allocated to Group II (n = 55). The perinatal case history was recorded, followed by intraoral examination at birth, 6 months, and monthly up to 1 year or till first evidence of teeth eruption.

Results: The difference between both groups based on socioeconomic status (SES) was found statistically significant (P = 0.043). The first evidence of eruption of deciduous teeth was found delayed in Group II (P = 0.0001). Secondary school education was found statistically significant between both the groups (P = 0.024). The difference between the two groups based on religion (P = 0.353) and gravidity (P = 0.571) was found statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: Lower SES and secondary maternal education can be considered statistically significant risk factors of IUGR and delayed deciduous teeth eruption. No correlation of IUGR with religion and gravidity was found.