Allergic rhinitis and dental caries in preschool children

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 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