Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
10:42

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children

Published on: December 31, 2017

17.7K

Chronic malnutrition and oral health status in children aged 1 to 5 years: An observational study

Karlla A Vieira1,2, Laerto S Rosa-Júnior2, Maria A V Souza2

  • 1Department of Biophotonics, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), São Paulo.

Medicine
|May 3, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Chronic malnutrition negatively impacts children's oral health, reducing salivary flow. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving children's quality of life and oral well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Chronic malnutrition is a significant global health issue affecting children.
  • Oral health is integral to overall child development and well-being.
  • The interplay between nutritional status and oral health in young children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of chronic malnutrition on the oral health of children aged 1 to 5 years.
  • To evaluate salivary flow rate and buffering capacity in relation to malnutrition severity.
  • To determine the prevalence of caries (dmft index) in malnourished children.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study involving 82 children (12-71 months).
  • Nutritional status assessed via anthropometric indicators.
  • Oral health status, caries prevalence (dmft index), salivary flow rate, and buffering capacity were measured.

Main Results:

  • A weak negative correlation was found between nutrition status and salivary flow rate (r = -0.267).
  • Significant differences in salivary flow were observed across malnutrition categories (P < .05).
  • No significant differences in buffering capacity or dmft index were found among malnutrition groups.

Conclusions:

  • Malnutrition negatively impacts children's oral cavity, specifically reducing salivary flow.
  • Reduced salivary flow associated with malnutrition may increase oral health risks.
  • Early detection of oral manifestations of malnutrition is vital for timely intervention and improved quality of life.

More Related Videos

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults08:47

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults

Published on: February 2, 2020

13.4K
Determining Gender-Based Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Underweight Individuals via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography03:35

Determining Gender-Based Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Underweight Individuals via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography

Published on: December 1, 2023

533

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Mouth01:26

Assessment of the Mouth

A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
879
Teeth01:15

Teeth

The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
1.5K
Oral Cavity01:11

Oral Cavity

The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
2.7K
Tooth Anatomy01:21

Tooth Anatomy

The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
1.8K
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Oral01:16

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Oral

The oral stage is the initial phase of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, occurring from birth to approximately 12 to 18 months. During this period, the infant's mouth serves as the primary source of pleasure, with actions such as sucking, chewing, biting, and drinking playing a crucial role in reducing tension. These activities are essential not only for nourishment but also for the infant's psychological and emotional satisfaction.
Weaning, typically occurring...
2.4K
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding01:26

Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding

Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
976