Mode of Delivery and Caries Development in Swedish Children

Objectives: Since the proportion of elective caesarean sections without a medical indication has increased during the years it is of general interest to know whether this choice affects the oral health of the child in the long term. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the mode of delivery has any effect on the development of dental caries in Swedish children.
Methods: In this retrospective register-based cohort study, all children born in 2000-2003, and who resided in the county of Stockholm, Sweden, at 3 years of age were included (n = 83,147). The cohort was followed until individuals were 7 years of age. Information regarding dental caries was collected from the Public Health Care Administration in Stockholm. Data concerning prenatal- and perinatal factors as well as parental socio-demographic determinants were collected from different National Registers in Sweden.
Results: The results showed a significant negative association between caesarean section and dental caries (deft > 0) compared to vaginal delivery and the effect was stronger with age. At 3 years of age, the negative association was weak (OR, 0.90; 95% CI = 0.80–0.99). In the period between 3 and 7 years of age, the negative effect of caesarean section on caries development increased (OR, 0.88; 95% CI = 0.83–0.94) and was strongest at 7 years of age (OR, 0.86; 95% CI = 0.81–0.92).
Conclusions: In conclusion, we found that children delivered by caesarean section do not represent a group with an excess risk of developing dental caries. From a clinical point of view, it seems no longer necessary to collect information on the mode of delivery and include it among the factors to consider in the caries risk assessment of the individual, especially if the aim is to reach high-risk groups.