Abstract

TO ASSESS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OBESITY AND DENTAL CARIES, AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS AMONG 12-15 YEARS SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN IN LUCKNOW CITY: A CROSSSECTIONAL SURVEY

Dr. Neha*, Dr. L. Vamsi K. Reddy, Dr Sonali Saha, Dr. Abhishek Verma, Dr. Ravi
Shankar

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a global epidemic, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that it is the fifth leading cause of mortality worldwide. A number of epidemiological studies had studied this association but the result were partially inconclusive. Objective: To evaluate the possible relationship between obesity, dental caries and lifestyle factors among 12-15 yrs school going children in Lucknow city. Materials & Method: The subjects constituted a representative sample of school going children population both government and private school 2 each with a total population of 300 divided equally 150 in each private and public schools aged 12 to 15 years from Lucknow city participating in the study. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on dietary habits, oral health behaviour, exercise, height, and weight. Overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 using the World Health Organization criteria. Caries Status is assessed by WHO dentition status 2013. Results: Overweight and obese children had higher dental caries 29.7% and 71.4% respectively compare to underweight and normal children 22.9% and 14.2% respectively and this difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). Overweight and obese Children have soft drinks more often, often eat outdoor, received less dental care before which was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). Dental caries among children was found to be 22%. Conclusion: Prevalence of dental caries was higher among overweight and obese children as compared to underweight and normal children suggesting obesity to be a potential risk factor for dental caries.

Keywords: Adolescents, Dental Caries, Lifestyle, Obesity.