Abstract
Aims: Mothers play primary role in the health of their children and the oral health of the mother is a crucial part of her general health and could have an effect on the baby’s health. This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal dental caries and the health status of newborns using Apgar scores in relation to maternal dental status by using DMFT index. Materials and Methods: The case group included (one hundred) pregnant women with periodontal disease, while the control group included (one hundred) pregnant women without periodontal disease. In both groups, DMFT (decay, missing and filled teeth), and Apgar scores were recorded. Mann-Whitney Test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used investigate the relationship between DMFT on one hand and an Apgar score on the other. Results: No significant relationship was found between Apgar scores and DMFT index scores were discovered. Conclusions: Within all limitations of this study, it was concluded that there was no direct relationship between the maternal dental caries and infant health status.
