Assessment of Consequences of Early Childhood Caries on the Body Mass Index and Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Children using the Pufa Index

Background: Early childhood caries is a one of the most common oral diseases affecting children. Longstanding dental decay progresses to various clinical consequences that adversely impact the quality of life, development, productivity, and educational performances of the children. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of untreated early childhood caries and its consequences on body mass index (BMI) and oral health related quality of life in children using PUFA/pufa index (pulp involvement, ulceration, fistula, and abscess)

Materials: A total of 227 school children aged 4-6 years were selected and examined for the presence or absence of pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula and abscess using the PUFA index followed by a questionnaire for oral health impact profile. The children’s BMI percentile was calculated using Centre of disease control and prevention (CDC) growth chart. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using the unpaired t test.

Results: The mean BMI score of children with PUFA/ pufa>0 (14.69) was significantly lesser than the BMI score of children with PUFA/pufa=0 (21.69), (p<0.001). A significant correlation was seen between oral health related quality of life and PUFA (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Longstanding early childhood caries significantly affects BMI of younger children inadvertently affecting the quality of life.