Successful treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach to the basic cause of the problem. Low birth-weight and the relationship to developmental problems. A general introduction is provided into the causes, prevalence and long term consequences of low birth-weights. Although the vast majority of low birth-weight children have normal outcomes, as a group they have higher rates of subnormal growth, illnesses and neurodevelopmental problems. An increased awareness of the consequences of low birth-weight is needed as dentists provide services for this population of youngsters.
Poor children remain poor.
A longitudinal national study emphasizes the greater levels and longer terms of poverty experienced by children. It can interfere with infant suckling and neonatal nutrition. Ideal treatment resolves the soft tissue ulceration and maintains the tooth, although in severe cases neonatal tooth extraction may be required. Case reports present different presentations of tongue ulcerations, dictating different treatments. Transposition of teeth in the primary dentition is said not to occur.