Background: The extent to which perinatal events influence the acquisition of S mutans and development of immunity is unclear. Mode of delivery may significantly influence the diversity and composition of oral microflora and facilitate the development of caries. Caesarean section, carried out in aseptic conditions accelerate the acquisition of S mutans, while in a normal vaginal delivery, the infant is exposed to variety of bacteria present in mother’s Anogenital regions. Post natal development of immunity gets altered by mode of delivery thereby suggesting the need to establish an association between mode of delivery and Caries experience. Aim & Objectives: To compare the levels of S Mutans and S Ig-A in Cesarean versus vaginally delivered children and incidence of Caries. Materials & Methods: The prospective experimental study was conducted on 84children aged 6-8 years with Caries born by either cesarean or vaginal delivery. The collected unstimulated whole saliva was subjected for IgA estimation by ELISA and microbial culture on MSKB agar. Results: The mean S mutans in cesarean and vaginal born children was 238.0±86.67, 113.86±58.85 CFU where as SIgA levels was 72.10±56.91, and 90.52±62.39 µg/ml respectively. In a matched case-control population, children born by cesarean had significantly higher S Mutans count and deft. However, no significant difference between two groups was observed for IgA levels. Conclusion: A positive association between Cesarean Delivery and increased S mutans and decreased Immunoglobulin’s and the converse in vaginally delivered children suggest a link between mode of delivery and occurrence of Caries
