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Gingivitis in children with malnutrition.
1Pediatric Denstistry Department, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery Dental School, University of Maryland, 21201-1586, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
|February 25, 2000
Summary
Malnutrition did not significantly impact plaque and gingivitis levels in children aged 4-7 years. All children exhibited 100% prevalence, with no major differences between well-nourished and malnourished groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Nutritional Science
- Oral Health Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood malnutrition is a global health concern, potentially affecting oral health.
- Gingivitis and plaque are common indicators of oral hygiene and overall health in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and severity of gingivitis and plaque in well-nourished versus malnourished children.
- To assess oral health status in children aged 4 to 7 years based on nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 291 children (4-7 years) categorized as well-nourished or malnourished using National Center for Health Statistics criteria.
- Evaluated plaque and gingivitis severity using the Plaque Index (PlI) and Modified Gingival Index (MGI) on primary teeth.
Main Results:
- 100% prevalence of both plaque and gingivitis was observed in all children studied.
- No statistically significant differences in PlI or MGI were found between well-nourished and malnourished groups.
- Gender did not show a significant impact on plaque or gingivitis levels.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional status, as defined by height-for-age, did not significantly influence the high prevalence of plaque and gingivitis in this cohort.
- A slight trend suggested potentially lower plaque and gingivitis in better-nourished children, warranting further investigation.