Association between Body Mass Index and Dental Caries among 6 To 12-Year-Old School Children in Mysore City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess association between obesity and dental caries prevalence among school children aged 6 to 12 years in Mysore city.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: With simple random technique four primary schools were selected from the list obtained by the Education Department, Mysore. A sample of 250 (125 Obese, 125 Normal weight) children were examined. Dental caries experience was recorded using WHO criteria. A questionnaire was used to collect information regarding age, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene practices, physical activity and dietary habits.

RESULTS: The study group consisted of 65 obese males and 60 obese females and 63 normal weight males and 62 normal weight females. Mean dft (decayed, filled deciduous teeth) for obese and normal weight children was 1.94 and 1.10 respectively. Mean DMFT (Decayed Missing Filled Permanent teeth) for obese and normal weight children was 0.59 and 0.30, respectively. Frequency of consumption of sweets, fruit juices, soft drinks, fried food was more among obese children when compared with normal weight children. These differences were statistically significant between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Obesity appears to have an association with dental caries prevalence.