C-section 'baby teeth decay risk'
 

"C-section 'baby teeth decay risk'", BBC News, August 28, 2005,
Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4181030.stm

Babies born by Caesarean section are more at risk of tooth decay,
research suggests.

A New York University team found C-section babies were infected by a
cavity-causing bacterium nearly a year earlier than those born
naturally.

A study of 156 babies found those born vaginally were exposed to more
bacteria during birth and built up resistance.

But the authors accepted a range of social factors also played a role,
the Journal of Dental Research said.

The team found that on average the 29 C-section birth babies monitored
as part of the study showed the first signs of the appearance of the
bacterium, streptococcus mutans, after 17 months.

In comparison, the 127 natural birth babies only developed the
bacterium at nearly 29 months of age, study said.

Streptococcus mutans grows on the surface of teeth and just above the
gum line where it turns foods into acids. It is predominantly
transmitted to babies from their mothers because of the close contact
they have.

Previous studies have found that the earlier that streptococcus mutans
develops, the higher the rate of cavities in children.

More than one in five births in the UK at the moment are via C-section.

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.

Exposure

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

But he also pointed out that the C-section mothers in the study also
had higher levels of tooth decay, a history of sexually transmitted
infections and low family income, all of which could 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."

He suggested the findings may persuade people that natural birth was
best, but said other factors such as diet and oral care played a role
that could cancel out high rates of infection.

My youngest was a C-section birth. He's 19 and has never
had a cavity ('course his dad was a dentistG).

YMMV,
Fawks