Apgar score and dental caries risk in the primary dentition of five year olds

Abstract

Background: Conditions in utero and early life underlie risk for several childhood disorders. This study tested the hypothesis that the Apgar score predicted dental caries in the primary dentition. Methods: A retrospective cohort study conducted in 2003 examined associations between conditions at birth and early life with dental caries experience at five years. Dental examination data for a random sample of five-year-old South Australian children were obtained from School Dental Service electronic records. A questionnaire mailed to the parents obtained information about neonatal status at delivery (five-minute Apgar score, birthweight, plurality, gestational age) and details about birth order, weaning, and behavioural, familial and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Of the 1398 sampled children with a completed questionnaire (response rate = 64.6%), 1058 were singleton term deliveries among whom prevalence of dental caries was 40.1%. In weighted log-binomial regression analysis, children with an Apgar score of <=8 relative to a score of 9-10 had greater probability of dental caries in the primary dentition after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioural covariates and water fluoridation concentration (adjusted PR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.95). Conclusions: Readily accessible markers of early life, such as the Apgar score, may guide clinicians in identifying children at potentially heightened risk for dental caries and aid decision-making in allocating preventive services.

Reusing electronic patient data for dental clinical research: A review of current status

“…For example, the recording of the DMF index between dentists varied greatly in Finland, resulting in discrepancies in the data collected from various dental offices (25). In Sanders et al’s 2010 study on the relationship between Apgar score and dental caries risk for children, missing Apgar scores as a primary variable for some participants posed a challenge for statistical analysis (51). …”

High Birth Weight Is a Risk Factor of Dental Caries Increment during Adolescence in Sweden

“…In that study the authors reported a weak association between dental caries and high birth weight in five-year-old children [34]. Furthermore, the parameter Apgar score, which reflects not only labor and delivery, but also the condition during prenatal life, is reported to be associated with dental caries in five-year-old children [35].…”

High birth weight is a risk factor of dental caries increment during adolescence in Sweden

“…The only study to the knowledge of the authors focused on children with high birth weight and demonstrated a weak association between dental caries and high birth weight in 5-year-old children [34]. Furthermore, the parameter apgar score, which reflects not only labor and delivery but also the condition during prenatal life, is reported to be associated with dental caries in 5-year-old children [35].…”