Association between dental caries and BMI-for age with sugar consumption among school children

Background and Aim: Childhood overweight and obesity are becoming a major public health concern all over the world. Change in lifestyles and economic growth have led to sedentary lifestyle and altered dietary patterns. The prevalence and incidence of dental caries in a population is influenced by a number of risk factor such as sex, age, socioeconomic status, dietary patterns and oral hygiene habits. Dental caries is an infectious microbial disease of multi factorial origin in which diet, host, and microbial flora interacts over a period of time in such a way so as to encourage demineralization of the tooth enamel with resultant caries formation. There are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the association between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries from various parts of the world. The aim of the present study was to determine if there is an association between BMI‐for‐age and dental caries in children and to find out the role sugar in diet with respect to BMI‐for‐age and dental caries. Materials and Methods: Demographics and anthropometric measurements were obtained for 504 children of 13-17 years age group and BMI‐for‐age was calculated. Oral examination for dental caries was carried out following WHO criteria. Data obtained were statistically analyzed for association of dental caries with BMI-for age and sugar consumption using Chi-square test. Results: 504 children were included in the study. Caries prevalence was more in obese children, though this was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between caries and consumption of sugar. Conclusion: Dental caries was found to be the big public health problem among school children of Meerut city, which needs immediate attention. Dental caries scores showed no relationship between BMI‐for‐age in children. Regular dental checkups and practice of routine oral hygiene procedures will enable them to lead a healthier life.