Association between gestational diabetes mellitus, early childhood caries and developmental defects in enamel in children

Background: Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are susceptible to several health comorbidities. including potential oral health issues. There is limited research on the association between GDM and oral health issues like early childhood caries (ECC) and developmental defects of enamel (DDE). 
Objectives: To assess the relationship between GDM and the presence of ECC and DDE in 2-5-year-old children born to mothers with GDM. 
Method: The study included 60 children aged 2-5 years, born to mothers with a history of GDM as the case group and 60 age-matched children born to healthy mothers as the control group. Caries status was assessed using the decayed, extracted, filled teeth (deft) index, and the presence of developmental defects of enamel was evaluated using the DDE index. The data were then analysed statistically. 
Results: The prevalence of ECC and DDE were significantly higher in children born to mothers with GDM, at 56.7% and 78.3%, respectively, compared to the control group which had prevalences of 35% for ECC and 18.3% for DDE. Mean deft score for the case group was 2.47±2.58, significantly higher than the control group (0.85±1.45). Associations between GDM and both ECC and DDE were statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Prevalence of ECC and DDE were significantly higher in children born to mothers with GDM, compared to controls.