Allergic rhinitis, rather than asthma, is a risk factor for dental caries

Abstract

Objectives

The association between AS (asthma) and dental caries is controversial, while that between AR (allergic rhinitis) and caries has not been established. This study aimed to verify the relationship among AR, AS, and dental caries.

Design

retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Data from Health Insurance Database of the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research.

Database

Participants: Nine thousand and thirty eight children born in 2004 were obtained. Their claims data were evaluated from birth to the age of 9 years.

Main outcome measures

The frequencies of clinical visits for dental caries were calculated for primary teeth (age 1-5) and for dental transitional period (age 6-9). Differences in the frequencies of clinical visits for caries in AR vs. non-AR and AS vs. non-AS children were compared. Correlation among AR, AS, and caries frequencies were studied and the influences of AR drugs on the development of caries were evaluated.

Results

After adjusting for confounding factors and AS case, the frequencies of clinical visits for caries were higher in AR (increased by 13-25% and p<0.001 at different age periods). The AR frequencies significantly correlated with caries frequencies in AR children. Different AR drugs also correlated with caries formation. After adjusting for confounding factors and AR case, there was no relationship between AS and caries in children.

Conclusion

Asthma is not associated with dental caries but allergic rhinitis can increase the frequency of clinical visits for caries. Medications for AR may also play a role in caries formation. Thus, AR may be a risk factor for childhood dental caries.

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