Children born via cesarean section are at a higher risk of developing dental caries compared to those born through natural delivery. This conclusion comes from a study conducted by American scientists in this field.
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| The earlier mutans streptococci appear, the higher the risk of cavities in children (Image: baby-bottle) |
Scientists report that these children are infected with a type of cavity-causing bacteria known as mutans streptococci nearly a year earlier than those born through natural childbirth. The reason is that children born via cesarean section do not come into contact with as many types of bacteria, resulting in a lack of antibodies against harmful bacteria. This was evidenced by a study involving 156 children born naturally.
Researchers found that all 29 cases of children born via cesarean section monitored in this study showed signs of mutans streptococci infection 17 months after birth, compared to nearly 29 months in 127 other children born naturally.
Mutans streptococci grow and develop on the surface of teeth and gums, where they convert food into acids that harm teeth. This type of bacteria is primarily transmitted from mother to child.
Previous studies have shown that the earlier this type of bacteria appears, the higher the risk of cavities in children. The lead researcher, Dr. Yihong Li, stated: “Natural childbirth limits the conditions for the proliferation of oral pathogenic bacteria in children. In the approximately 1 year following birth, these children will have the chance to develop antibodies against such harmful bacteria due to their exposure to various bacteria from the mother and the surrounding environment. In contrast, children born via cesarean section have a very low ability to develop antibodies.”
However, according to Dr. Li, there are many other factors that could influence these results, such as the high rate of dental caries in mothers giving birth via cesarean section in this study.
Professor Roy Russell from Newcastle University emphasized the urgent need to find measures to limit the risk of mutans streptococci infection in children. “The longer we allow them to develop early, the greater the harm they cause.” According to the professor, the results of this study once again affirm the “superiority” of natural childbirth.
