Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025
Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
Relationship Between Body Mass Index, Occlusion, and Dental Caries among School Children in Riyadh
Amara S Lingam1, Sara A Al Hussein2, Maha K Alghunaim2
1Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, Dar al Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Malocclusion and lifestyle diseases like obesity can lead to poor oral hygiene and food stagnation, resulting in increased caries incidence.
Objectives:
To evaluate the interrelationship of age, body mass index (BMI), occlusion, and dental decay in children aged between 5 and 14.
Methodology:
Our study included 423 school students aged 5-14 visiting dental clinics. Correlation between BMI and DMFT index using Spearman's correlation coefficient and the association of BMI with gender, age group, and occlusion using the Chi-square test were assessed.
Results:
The study comprised a larger sample of students aged above 10 years (n = 217) and between 6 and 10 years (n = 183), with Angle's Class I and II malocclusion being predominant. A weak positive correlation was found between BMI and the missing component of the DMFT index, while significant statistical associations were observed between underweight students below 5 years (8.5%) and obesity in those between 6 and 8 years (53.3%) (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Dental practitioners must pay attention to the BMI of children and consider diet as a major intervention for dental caries prophylaxis.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
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...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:11Oral Cavity
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...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
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...
01:24Obesity