The Relationship between Severe Early Childhood Caries and BMI in 3-6-Year-Old Children

Abstract

Introduction: Severe early childhood caries is an acute type of dental caries which causes adverse effects on the quality of nourishment and growth of the baby. The purpose of this study was to determine any relationship between s-ECC and BMI in children aged 3-6 years old of sari`s kindergartens. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study 401 systematically healthy children aged 3-6 years old, were selected randomly from sari kindergartens. After completing the questionnaire, variables such as height, weight and dmft (according to WHO`s standard) were recorded in a checklistand the relationship between BMI and s-ECC was investigated. Data were subjected to Chi-square and Logistic regression tests. Result: Totally 188 children (46.8%) suffered from s-ECC and 213 (53%) were not affected by. Also, 38.1% had normal status, 28.1% were preoverweight, 19.7% were over weighted and 13.7% were underweighted. Statistical Society had mean dmft of 3.5 and mean age of 4.7. According to the data analysis, age, BMI status (obesity and weight deficiency), milk intake during sleep and consumption of snacks have significant effect on incidence of s-ECC. (Pvalue< 0.001) Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate a positive relationship between s-ECC and obesity and weight loss based on the BMI status chart of the disease control center.