Chronic respiratory diseases as risk factor for early childhood caries

Background: Children with chronic health conditions or those who are taking medications that alter composition and salivary flow may have a high risk for developing tooth decay. Within these conditions, are the chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of early childhood caries in children with chronic respiratory disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 children aged 2 to 5 years. The sample comprised 60 preschool children with chronic respiratory diseases such as the Recurrent wheezing bronchitis, Broncho pulmonary dysplasia, Atelectasis, Cystic fibrosis and Bronchiectasis, and 60  healthy control children.

Results: Prevalence of ECC in children with CRD was 68.3%, (P < .0001). In children with CRD, 44% were found to use inhaler therapy, of which 29% used inhaled corticosteroids, 30% used inhaled bronchodilators, and 40% used inhaled therapy with both bronchodilators and corticosteroids. The value of odds ratio for children with CRD was 7.046 showing an increased risk of ECC compared with healthy children. (95% CI: 2.372 to 20.929). Conclusion: The results indicate that chronic respiratory diseases are a risk factor for the development of early childhood caries in preschool children.