Comparison of Association of Dental Caries in Relation with Body Mass Index (BMI) in Government and Private School Children

The aim of the study was to compare, association of dental caries in relation with body mass index in Government (Group 1) and Private (Group 2) School children. 247 and 250 children in the age group of 6 to 16 yrs. were included in Group 1 and Group 2 respectively. Both male and female children were included. Dental caries was diagnosed according to WHO criteria using def/DMFT index. The proportion of Caries in the Group 1 & 2 children was same and statistically there was no significant difference. But mean no. of caries teeth was more in Group 2 children compared to Group 1. It was observed from the study that 24% are overweight + obese category in Group 1, and 76% in Group 2, Mean number of caries, and (over weight + obese) children were more in Group 2. Under weight children had more mean number of caries compared to normal and (over weight +Obese) children.