Analysing the Connection between Delivery Method and Early Childhood Caries: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: A major public health issue in both developed and underdeveloped countries is early childhood caries (ECC). A child’s dental health may be impacted by the way they are delivered. Infants delivered by Caesarean section are more likely to suffer from diseases including diabetes, obesity and asthma than those born vaginally. Additionally, there is conflicting research regarding how the technique of birth may alter a child’s oral microbiota development and, consequently, their vulnerability to dental caries. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between delivery method, gestational age, maternal health complications, maternal dental health and socio-economic factors in relation to prevalence of ECC in children aged 3–5 years living in Gandhinagar. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between mode of delivery and other factors with ECC in 3–5-year-old children. Preschools were stratified, and participants were randomly selected, resulting in a sample of 222 children from Gandhinagar city. Data collection included oral examinations and interviews using a closed-ended validated questionnaire to gather socio-demographic details, gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight and socio-economic status. The non-parametric test assessed associations between categorical variables, such as mode of delivery, gestational age, maternal complications, maternal caries and ECC presence. Results: ECC was prevalent in 63.5% of the study population. Notably, children born via C-section accounted for 65.31% of cases, indicating a significantly higher prevalence of ECC compared to those delivered vaginally. ECC was noted in 65.12% of children whose mothers experienced dental caries, while the prevalence remained similar between children of mothers with pregnancy complications 62% and those without 64.75%. Socio-economic status emerged as a strong determinant, with ECC affecting 88% of children from lower-income families, while only 50% of those from higher-income backgrounds were affected. Conclusions: ECC was significantly linked to C-section delivery and lower socio-economic status, underscoring the need for preventive strategies that integrate healthcare, early child care and socio-economic support.