Obesity and Salivary Parameters (Flow Rate, Buffer Capacity, and Salivary pH) in Children of Moradabad, India

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, by 2015 approximately 2.3 billion adults worldwide will be overweight and more than 700 million obese. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between obesity and salivary parameters (salivary flow rate, buffer capacity, and pH) among 14 and 15-year-old school children of Moradabad, India. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted among 25 obese and 25 normal weight children. Anthropometric measurements were performed to obtain body mass index (BMI). Those children whose BMI >30 kg/m2 were considered as obese and those with BMI in between 18 and 25 kg/m2, as non-obese. Those students who gave the consent in participation fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the study. The subjects’ salivary parameters were estimated using GC Saliva-Check Kit. All the participants were examined for the plaque and bleeding on probing and dental caries experience. Results: The mean BMI of obese and non-obese subjects was found to be 30.98 kg/m2 and 21.91 kg/m2, respectively, and the difference was found to be statistically significant. On comparing the salivary flow rate, salivary pH, and salivary buffer capacity between obese and non-obese children, the difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.00). Conclusion: It was concluded that obesity is be one of risk factors responsible for deranged salivary parameters that in turn has an adverse effect on oral health.