Abstract
The article examines the common determinants of childhood dental caries and obesity. Longitudinal data from the Born in Bradford cohort study (BiB1000) (n = 1735) and dental data (dental general anaesthetics (GA) and oral health survey 2014/15) (n = 171) were used to test a framework on the social determinants of childhood dental caries (decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) index) and obesity (body mass index (BMI)). The BiB1000 data were collected at pregnancy week 26–28 and after birth at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. The determinants were demographics, wellbeing, socio-economic status (SES), dietary behaviours and physical activity behaviour of the children. Missing data were accounted for through multiple imputation (MI). The framework was tested through structural equation modelling. Overall, the model fit was adequate. No alcohol consumption of the mother after giving birth, higher frequency of child drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, emotional and behavioural difficulties of the child and being male were directly associated with both BMI and dental caries. Caregivers uninvolved or indulgent feeding style were associated with higher BMI and less dental caries. Social deprivation was associated with lower BMI and higher dmft. Five determinants were directly associated with BMI only. Fifteen indirect paths were significant for both child dental caries and BMI. The findings suggest common determinants for both childhood obesity and dental caries. Common risk factor approach seems appropriate for planning future health promotion programmes.
Highlights
Childhood obesity and dental caries are two of the foremost public health challenges of the 21st century
The findings suggest common determinants for both childhood obesity and dental caries
Children who have participated in the Born in Bradford Cohort Study and had undergone dental care under general anaesthetics (GA) were asked for data linkage (16/YH/0048)
Summary
Childhood obesity and dental caries are two of the foremost public health challenges of the 21st century. The prevalence of childhood obesity has significantly increased among developing and developed countries alike [1]. Government’s National Child Measurement Programme reported that more than one third (34.3%) of children in year six (aged 10/11 years old) were considered either overweight or obese in England [2]. Overweight and obesity is the imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure [1]. Such imbalance is often associated with multiple factors, such as inadequate diet and lack of physical activity that are influenced by environmental and societal characteristics [1]. Overweight/obesity during childhood are associated with chronic
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