Association between Anthropometric Measurements and Dental Caries in Children

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between anthropometric measurements and dental caries in
6–12 years old children.

Materials and Methods: A total 100 children were randomly selected from the outpatient department.
Caries score was recorded by a qualified using DMFT and deft indices. Anthropometric measurements included body weight,
height, neck circumference, triceps circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body mass index (BMI) were
calculated using formula kg/m2. Results: The prevalence of children with DMFT ≥1 was 59% and deft ≥1 was 60% in
this study. The caries scores were not significantly different with anthropometric measurements categories except for deft
significantly associated with BMI and DMFT significantly associated with high weight.

Conclusion: This study showed that
high weight, BMI, and dental caries have common risk determinants and require a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach
by dentists and oral health-care professionals.
Key words: Anthropometric measures, body mass index, dental caries