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Relationship between high weight and caries frequency in German elementary school children
B Willershausen1, G Haas, F Krummenauer
1Department for Operative Dentistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Augustusplatz 2, D-55131 Mainz, Germany. willersh@mail. uni-mainz.de
European Journal of Medical Research
|September 1, 2004
Summary
Childhood obesity is linked to increased dental caries. This study found that overweight and obese children have significantly higher rates of tooth decay compared to normal-weight peers, highlighting the need for nutritional focus in prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Changing dietary habits in industrialized nations over the past decade.
- Rising obesity rates potentially increasing metabolic diseases and dental caries frequency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between body weight and dental caries prevalence in elementary school children.
- To assess the relationship between weight status (normal, overweight, obese) and dental health indicators.
Main Methods:
- An interdisciplinary study involving 842 elementary school children (ages 6-11).
- Dental examinations to determine caries frequency (decayed/filled teeth - DF-T/df-t values).
- Medical evaluations to assess general health, including height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI).
Main Results:
- 33.7% of children had no decayed or filled teeth.
- 73.9% were normal weight, 12.9% overweight, and 13.2% obese.
- Caries prevalence (DF-T/df-t values) was significantly higher in overweight (2.48/0.91) and obese (3.3/0.88) children compared to normal-weight children (2.09/0.57).
- A higher percentage of normal-weight children had healthy teeth (35.5%) compared to overweight (27.5%) and obese (29.7%) children.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between increased dental caries and high body weight in elementary school children.
- Preventive programs should integrate nutritional guidance alongside oral hygiene measures to address high weight and dental health.
- Dietary factors contributing to obesity warrant consideration in public health strategies for children's oral health.