Investigation of the relationship between body mass index and early childhood caries

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and early childhood caries by using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index in early childhood. Methodology: The sample of the study consisted of 133 children, 63 boys and 70 girls, aged 2–6 years, Dental scans of the children were performed by two experienced physicians in line with World Health Organization criteria, using mirrors and probes, in daylight. The DMFT index was employed to determine the number of DMFT. The height and weight of the children were measured and recorded with a digital scale and height ruler during the examination. BMI was calculated by dividing their body weight (kg) by the square of their height in meters. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between age groups according to gender (p > 0.05). When the DMFT index values according to the BMI classifications of the children participating in the study and the number of caries, missing, and filled teeth of four different groups (weak, normal, overweight, obese) were compared according to the BMI classification, a difference was observed between the groups. The DMFT indexes of the children who were evaluated as obese with an increasing BMI had higher results than those for the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: More detailed and long-term studies are needed to determine the causal relationship between the variables examined when evaluating the relationship between dental caries and BMI, as well as to formulate appropriate interventions related to these variables. How to cite this article: Fidancıoğlu YD, Güneş M. Investigation of the relationship between body mass index and early childhood caries. Int Dent Res 2022;12(Suppl.1):65-8. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.447 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.