Dental biofilm in children with normal weight, overweight and obesity: a pilot study

Microorganisms attached to surfaces form intricate colonies known as biofilms. Dental plaque is the biofilm formed on the tooth surface, including the gingival sulcus. Plaque staining makes it easier to see which areas need more brushing time, and which have higher risk of periodontal disease or caries. Dental plaque is largely influenced by diet, becoming more and more dependent on diet related carbohydrates as it ages. Inadequate dental care and bad eating habits are frequently associated with the presence of visible bacterial plaque.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the percentage of dental plaque according to body mass index (BMI) and to identify whether the plaque is newly deposited, mature or acidified.

Twenty-five patients from the Pediatric Dentistry Clinics at the University of Guadalajara were evaluated. The percentage and type of plaque were identified using a disclosing gel. The percentage of plaque was compared among children with normal weight, overweight and obesity.

14 children were normal weight, six were overweight, four were obese, and one was underweight. Average percentage of total plaque was 70.92%. The most predominant plaque was newly deposited (pink staining), followed by mature plaque (purple staining), and a lower percentage of acidified plaque (light blue staining).

The high percentage of plaque indicates lack or inefficacy of tooth brushing, highlighting the importance of using plaque disclosure for diagnostic and educational purposes for children and parents.