Association between Obesity and Oral Health Status in Schoolchildren: A Survey in Five Districts of West Bengal, India

INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity, dental caries, and periodontal disease are major public health problems due to their adverse impact on the growth and development of children. Obesity and oral health are associated as both share some common risk factors. AIM: The specific aim of the study was to determine the correlation, if there is any, between obesity and oral health in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five districts of West Bengal, India. A total of 1,227 school-going children of 6 to 12 years were examined from the districts of Howrah, Hooghly, West Midnapore, South 24-parganas, and North 24-parganas. Following indices were analyzed: Decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT), decayed, extracted, filled teeth (deft), simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). Depending on their nutritional status, subjects were categorized as being normal weight, overweight, and obese. Logistic regression analysis were applied to the study to find out the association between the above-mentioned dental indices and independent variables: Gender and nutritional status. RESULT: A positive association was found between obesity and oral health status in children. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of this study, it was concluded that obesity is related to oral hygiene status of children. In order to improve oral hygiene status in children, dietary modifications need to be done. How to cite this article: Halder S, Kaul R, Angrish P, Saha S, Bhattacharya B, Mitra M. Association between Obesity and Oral Health Status in Schoolchildren: A Survey in Five Districts of West Bengal, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(3):233-237.