Type of delivery, prematurity and caries risk in PR children

Some studies have proposed the association between type of delivery and possible higher caries risk in children. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between type of delivery and other risk factors and caries in Puerto Rican children. Methods: A sample of 110 mothers and children aged 6 to 60 mos were evaluated for dental disease by a calibrated dentist. Questionnaires to evaluate others risk factors related to caries were measured in the sample of mothers and children. Data analysis was performed using EPI-INFO Program. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square test and Odd Ratios were done at a probability level of 0.05. Results: Mean DMFT and DMFS for mothers were 13.12 (SD=7.2) and 17.52 (SD09.3 respectively. Children dmft was 2.0 (SD=3.7). Mothers and children had mean of a least 3 active caries teeth. Mean age of mothers was 25. 79 years and mean children age was 35 mos. Mean birth weight of children was 6.86 pounds (SD= 4.6), with 22.9% of premature delivery, 22.9% of cesarean and 77.1% of normal deliveries. Type of delivery was statistically associated to oral health of mothers, child birth weight and decalcification lesions in children (p < 0.03). Although type of delivery was not associated to dental disease in children measured by dmft or dmfs indexes ( p= 0.88). Mother`s oral health, history of oral health problem during pregnancy as infection due to caries or periodontal disease was related to having a premature baby and LBWB. (p = 0.00). Premature babies or LBWB had more risk for caries. Conclusions: This study supports the evidence that mothers`oral health, type of delivery and prematurity may influence caries risk in children measured by sm levels or decalcification lesions. More longitudinal studies controlling confounders may be performed in order to assess new caries risk factors for children.