Prevalence of Factors Predisposing and Association of Childhood Obesity and Dental Conditions in Indian Urban Preschool Children

Aim: To assess the prevalence of obesity and dental conditions, such as dental caries, Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDI), and dental erosion and possible associations between obesity and dental conditions and predisposing factors for the same.

Methods: A sample of 540 children was drawn from preschools in a recently urbanized city. Height and weight were recorded and categorized into obese, overweight, underweight and normal using BMI percentile calculator for specific age and gender by Centers of Disease Control and prevention (CDC). Dental caries were measured in terms of dmft (frank cavitations); other dental conditions i.e. dental erosion and TDI were measured as binary variables i.e. present or absent. Socioeconomic status was assessed using Kuppuswamy’s 2014 modification; diet in terms of number of sugar exposures and physical activity was recorded as time spent in physical activity as reported by the parents.

Results: Prevalence of dental caries (59.2%), and obesity (13.46%) and overweight (9.79%). Linear correlation between BMI and dmft (dental caries) was weak but significant (r=0.089; p= 0.033). However, dmft in obese and overweight children (3.9) was significantly higher than that in underweight children (2.25). Dental conditions were significantly higher in children from higher SES (p=0.031).

Conclusion: A High prevalence of dental caries (59.2%) and obesity and overweight (23.25%) and a very weak but statistically significant correlation was found between the two in Indian urban preschool children.