Assessing the Relationship between Dental Caries and Anthropometric Indices in 9-11-Year-old Primary School Children of Shiraz

Abstract Background and aim: Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease that has a profound impact on the health of both the individual and community health. On the other, the overweight and underweight in children is a major public health concern influenced by common factors with dental caries. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between DMFT (Decay-Missing-Filled-permanent teeth) and anthropometry indices in 9-11 year old primary school children of the city of Shiraz, Iran-2012. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on primary school children, aged 9 to 11 years, selected by cluster random sampling in four areas of Shiraz city, in 2012. The prevalence of children with dental caries was calculated by measuring the number of teeth decayed, missing or filled duo to caries (DMFT) indices using the WHO screening standards. Weight, height, and sitting height were measured and body mass index (BMI) and leg height were calculated. The association between Anthropometry and DMFT were examined using bivariate correlation and linear regression tests by the SPSS software. The difference mean DMFT index between five groups of BMI was evaluated by ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests. Results: A total of 974 pupils were studied. Mean DMFT was 0.94±1.46. There were significant association between DMFT and BMI (r=-0/91 p=0/005). Mean DMFT was significantly reduced from underweight children to obese children (p=0/027). Conclusion: Underweight children have a higher risk of developing caries in their permanent teeth. Key words: Body Mass Index, Anthropometry, DMF Inde