Dental caries is a complex and dynamic process where a multitude of factors initiate and influence the progression of disease. Although effective methods are known for prevention and management of dental caries, it is a major health problem with manifestations persisting throughout life despite treatment.
Aim: Obesity increases the risk of chronic disease and poor mental health outcomes and dental caries impacts significantly on the quality of life. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of dental caries and its relationship to BMI.
Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in 200 students of our dental college and who were willing to participate. The Prevalence of dental caries was obtained using WHO standard criteria for dental caries diagnosis namely decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Weight and Height were measured and BMI was calculated.
Results: ANOVA test was used for correlation between weight and DMFT and it was found to be highly significant p< 0.001. By Pearson correlation DMFT was compared with BMI and p <0.001, showing highly significant results.
Conclusion: Obesity and Dental caries share common lifestyle factors among adolescents. Our study shows a significant correlation between BMI with DMFT index. Thus, dental health is a global health concern.
Impact Factor
2017: 6.614
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