Oral Health, Nutritional-Related Patterns and Body Mass Index in Children

Regarding the influence of obesity on general health of children, scientific literature showed the importance of early management of children's overweight. In terms of oral health, overweight and obese children were shown to have accelerated dental development and increased prevalence of caries. Objectives. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of Body Mass Index (BMI) and dietary behaviors on the oral status, eruptions and hygiene in children. Material and Methods. Ninety-two children aged 6-12 years were investigated about the oral hygiene habits, nutritional related behaviors, presence of systemic diseases. Values of BMI and oral status were noted. Statistical analysis was performed. Results. Significant moderate correlations between the values of BMI with tooth eruption and weak but significantly with dental lesions were determined. Conclusions. The dietary behaviors and BMI could influence the oral status, eruptions and oral hygiene in children.