Intraoral findings and other developmental conditions in Mexican neonates.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intraoral findings and other minor developmental malformations in newborns from San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

METHODS: Study subjects were neonates born in San Luis Potosi Morones Prieto Hospital between September 1989 and February 1990. All subjects are examined at this hospital within 20 hours of birth. Premature babies or those requiring intensive care were excluded. Examinations are performed by a team consisting of a geneticist, an oral pathologist, 2 dentists, and an oral surgeon using mirrors, tongue blades, and a flashlight.

RESULTS: The team examined 2,182 neonates and found a frequency of 99% for congenital oral cysts, 2% for natal teeth, 11% for ankyloglossia, 8% for commissural lip pits, and 54% for congenital vascular malformations. The male/female ratios for ankyloglossia and natal teeth were 1.5:1 and 1:2.3, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Babies born at the same hospital demonstrated a high rate of oral cysts, natal teeth, ankyloglossia, and commissural lip pits.