The effects of mode of delivery on Mutans Streptococci colonization and dental caries in a sample of Iraqi children aged 3-5 years from Baghdad city

Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether mode of delivery is associated with mutans streptococci
(MS) colonization and dental caries in pre school children.
Methods: This study includes 64 pairs of mothers and their children aged 3- 5 years
old (34 born vaginally and 30 born by Caesarean section).Data included a dental
examination, a questionnaire survey of mode of delivery, maternal gestational
age, as well as children's birth –weight, and laboratory assessment (by collecting
non stimulated saliva for each woman and child and homogenizing them then
Mutans Streptococci (MS) were counted ,isolated, purified and diagnosed
according to morphological characteristic .
Results: Dental caries, salivary and plaque streptococcus mutans counts were
significantly higher in children delivered by caesarean section mode than those
delivered normally (P<0.05).There was a positive linear correlation between the
mean value of DMFS, salivary and plaque streptococcus mutans count of children
and their mothers, and this association statistically significant (P<0.05). Gender,
gestational age and birth weight had no significant correlations with the dmfs of
children (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The mode of delivery is significantly correlated with MS colonization
and caries outcomes in pre-school children.