News

29th August 2005

Tooth decay risk for babies born by caesarean

Babies born by Caesarean section are more at risk of tooth decay, according to new research.

A study of 156 babies by New York University, found that children born by caesarean developed a caty-causing bacterium a year earlier than those born vaginally.

It is thought that babies born vaginally are xposed to more bacteria and therefore build up more resistance.

However, the authors, who published their findings in the Journal of Dentistry, admitted that a wide range of social factors could also affect the results.

The researchers found that babies born by caesarean on average developed the bacteria streptococcus mutans at around 17 months, while babies born naturally showed first signs at around 29 months.

Streptococcus mutans grows on the surface of teeth and just above the gum line where it turns foods into acids. The earlier it develops the higher the rate of cavities in children.

It is predominantly transmitted to babies from their mothers because of the close contact they have.

Lead researcher Dr Yihong Li said, "Vaginally-delivered infants offer oral bacteria a less hospitable environment.

"They develop more resistance to these bacteria in their first year of life, in part because of exposure to a greater variety and intensity of bacteria from their mothers and the surrounding environment at birth.

"C-section babies have less bacterial exposure at birth, and therefore less resistance."

However, he also said that the caesarean mothers in the study also had higher levels of tooth decay as well as low family income, which may have contributed to the findings.

Roy Russell, professor of oral biology at the University of Newcastle, said it was important to find ways of minimising infection of the bacterium.

"It is the main decay causing bacterium and the earlier it gets a hold, the more damage it can cause."

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