Nutritional Status and its Relationship with Dental Caries among 3–6-year-old Anganwadi Children

AIM: The purpose of this study is to determine dental caries status in 3–6-year-old malnourished children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 500 children aged 3–6 years enrolled in anganwadi were selected for this study. The nutritional status was evaluated by anthropometric measurements such as body weight and height [body mass index (BMI)-for-age]. Dental caries status was recorded according to WHO criteria. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight was 41% and prevalence of dental caries was 61%. CONCLUSION: Low BMI-for-age is a risk factor for dental caries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Inclusion of BMI-for-age calculation in routine case history pro forma helps in timely diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of children suffering from malnutrition. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Madhusudhan KS, Khargekar N. Nutritional Status and its Relationship with Dental Caries among 3–6-year-old Anganwadi Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):6–10.