A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Association of Body Mass Index with Oral Health Status

Abstract

Purpose of the study: To evaluate the association between BMI and oral health status, along with the frequency of tooth brushing and frequency of food intake. Methods: This study was conducted at outpatient clinic, for adults who had visited to the dental clinic. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and Periodontal Disease Index (PDI) were used to determine the prevalence of dental caries and periodontitis respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between age, BMI, frequency of tooth brushing and food intake with DMFT and PDI. Results: A total of 100 subjects were enrolled with a mean age of 33 years. Of the 100 subjects, 10% were underweight, 56% were normal, 25% were overweight and 9% were obese upon BMI calculation. There was a positive correlation between age versus PDI and age versus DMFT and this correlation was found to be statistically significant (p=0.00). There is a negative correlation of BMI, frequency of food intake and tooth brushing with PDI and positive correlation with DMFT was noticed. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that age and frequency of tooth brushing was influencing PDI and DMFT significantly. Conclusions: A negative correlation between the PDI and BMI but positive correlation with DMFT and BMI was observed. Longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the association of body mass index and periodontal disease and dental caries.