Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this study is to investigate the relation between dental caries and childhood obesity, with sugar intake suspected as a common risk factor.
Methods
We developed a cohort prospective study, of 5-18 year olds with a dental consultation at the HUDERF in Brussels, Belgium between January 2018-March 2018.
We collected data regarding BMI, diet, dental scores, exercise, parents’ BMI and education, socioeconomic status. These were considered potential confounding factors related to dental caries and childhood obesity.
Results
216 children were asked to participate in this study and 200 participated. 116 participants were female and 84 were male. According to children’s BMI, 2% were underweight, 57% had a normal weight, 25% were overweight and 16% were obese. Mean dfm-t and DFM-t were 4 and 1.46 respectively.
Conclusion
We did not find a statistically significant association between dental caries and BMI. However, we did find a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst children with a dental appointment compared to the general population. A school based longitudinal study should be performed to further investigate these findings.