Aims and objectives:The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of dental caries in asthmatic children of age group 5 to 16 years and to evaluate and compare the dental caries status among asthmatic and asthma-free children. Materials and methods:A cross-sectional study was done on 200 children aged 5 to 16 years. The participants were divided into two groups. The study group included 100 asthmatic children/adolescent diagnosed with asthma attended the local hospitals. Asthma-free group composed of 100 asthma-free children⁄adolescents recruited in two public schools. The details on asthma severity were obtained from patient's records, by consulting the pediatrician treating these children or by interviewing their parents/caregivers. Dental caries status was assessed using DMFT and dmft indices. Chi-square and independent Student's t-test used for statistical analysis of data. Results:The prevalence of dental caries in the asthmatic children, for permanent dentition was 28% and primary teeth caries experience was 67% and the result was statistically significant. Asthmatic children had a higher mean DMFT (0.54 ± 0.82)/dmft (2.74 ± 2.59) score. There was statistically significant difference existed for DMFT among five drug forms (chi-square = 60.437; p-value = 0.001). No significant differences were encountered in anti-asthmatic drugs and DMFT/dmft. Conclusion:There is a high prevalence of dental caries in both permanent and deciduous teeth in asthmatic children. Children given beta 2 agonists, inhaler form of antiasthmatic medication are at a higher risk of developing caries in their teeth. Physicians and dentists should recommend preventive measures against caries for children with asthma.

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