Allergic rhinitis and dental caries in preschool children

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) may be overdocumented in cases of dental caries because of
controversies in the literature This study was conducted to investigate the potential relationship
between AR and dental caries in children.
Materials and Methods: A total of 296 children were included in this cross‑sectional study.
Participants were evaluated using the decay‑missing‑filled (DMF) index, and their AR status was
evaluated by physical examination and through a standard questionnaire. Baseline demographics
and clinical characteristics were compared among groups using Student’s t‑test or the Mann–
Whitney U‑test, the Chi‑square test, and/or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. A level of P < 0.05
was regarded as statistically significant.
Results: Evidence of AR was found in 77 (35.1%) participants. There was no significant difference in
the rate of tooth decay or DMF between participants with or without AR (P = 0.07), but a significant
difference was observed in the number of missing and filled teeth between those with and without AR
(P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in educational level, family income, milk intake, use of
pacifier, use of a toothbrush, saliva secretion, or body mass index (P > 0.05 in all cases) between AR‑positive
and AR‑negative patients. Fluoride therapy and oral breathing were identified as confounding factors
and controlled using log‑linear analysis. The mean rate of DMF in patients who also had AR was 20%
greater than in the AR‑negative group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.35) and
15% greater in among children who breathed orally than those who did not (OR = 1.15 CI: 1.02–1.31).
Conclusion: AR and oral breathing may have an effect on oral health and dental condition, leading
to an increased rate of tooth loss, oral fillings, and development of dental caries.
Key Words: Rhinitis Allergic, dental caries, dental filling, mouth breathing