Is body mass index for-age related with dental caries in children?

INTRODUCTION: Nutrition has a significant impact on dental health. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between dental caries and BMI-for-age.
METHODS: 451 children who were 5-14 years, included in this study. Children were examined according to dmft/DMFT indexs under daylight with mirror and sond. After weight and height measurements, for BMI-for-age calculation, age, weight and height status were entered the WHO AnthroPlus Software program for gaining Z score recommended for child. Children were grouped according to Z score as Group 1: normal; Group 2: overweight; Group 3: fat/obese; Group 4: underweight; Group 5: severely underweight. Data were analysed using SPSS software22, correlation, frequency and independent sample t-tests.
RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 9.1±2.5 years. The mean DMFT/dmft values were 6.97±3.79. 55% of children were of normal weight, 16.2% were overweight, 11.8% fat/obese, 12.2% underweight and 4.8% severely underweight. In terms of DMFT/dmft, when the groups were compared, a statistically significant difference was found between Group 3 and Groups 1, 4 and 5. (p<0.05)
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The risk of caries increased as the weight increased in the children participating in the study. Obesity can be considered as an important risk factor for dental health. Parents are informed about children's wrong eating habits have an impact on dental health.