Association between Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy and Missing Teeth in Adolescents

Abstract

Tooth agenesis and disturbance of tooth eruption is the most prevalent oral defect, and is possibly caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. We hypothesized that prenatal factors may affect tooth development. The objective of this study was to examine whether smoking during pregnancy was associated with missing teeth in the offspring during adolescence. The study population comprised pregnant women and their children registered (N = 1052) at Koshu city, Japan. When the expectant mothers visited the city office for pregnancy registration, a survey was conducted to ascertain their lifestyle habits. Data on missing teeth in the children were obtained from the compulsory dental health checkup during junior high school years. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between missing teeth and lifestyle habits. A total of 772 children were studied. The prevalence of missing teeth in these children was 4.9%. Children whose mothers smoked six cigarettes or more per day were 4.59 (95% CI: 1.07–19.67) times more likely to present with missing teeth than those children whose mothers did not smoke, after adjustment for possible confounders. Our findings indicate that smoking during pregnancy can be a risk factor for missing teeth in the offspring.

Association between Smoking during Pregnancy and Short Root Anomaly in Offspring

“…Previous studies have suggested that maternal smoking exposure during pregnancy is associated with missing teeth [ 19 , 20 ]. However, to the best of our knowledge, no population-based study has reported the association between maternal smoking exposure during pregnancy and tooth root formation.…”

“…Maternal smoking during pregnancy has its effect not only on cleft lip and/or palate but also on missing teeth in the offspring [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. It may also affect various organs of the maxillofacial region formed by epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during the embryonic period [ 21 ].…”

Tobacco Consumption during Pregnancy and Its Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review

“…Studies that met the inclusion criteria was finally included for the review . birth (25) , Neonatal asphyxia (24) , ADHD (26) . There was one unique finding that revealed 4.9% of children exposed to smoke during prenatal period were having missing teeth or decayed teeth (25) .…”

“…birth (25) , Neonatal asphyxia (24) , ADHD (26) . There was one unique finding that revealed 4.9% of children exposed to smoke during prenatal period were having missing teeth or decayed teeth (25) . Studies from USA: Maternal smoking prevalence in 2015 was reported as 50% (28) and in 2018 as 5.24% (30) indicating a decrease in prevalence of maternal smoking.…”