Association Between Body Mass Index and Oral Health Status Among Children: A Cross-Sectional Study Contributing to Policy-Driven Improvements in Children's Oral Health.

BACKGROUND

Dental caries, periodontal disease, and malnutrition adversely affect children's growth and development and are recognized as significant public health concerns. The link between child nutrition and oral health is crucial, as they share multiple risk factors. Assessment of nutritional status using standardized growth references such as the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) growth charts is essential, as variations in body mass index (BMI) have been associated with differences in oral health outcomes among children.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between BMI and oral health status in children aged 12-15 years attending a tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru, Karnataka and to highlight implications for integrating nutritional screening into oral health prevention programs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 164 children aged 12-15 years attending a tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru, Karnataka. Children who provided assent and whose parents gave written informed consent were included in the study. Anthropometric data, including height and body weight, were recorded and BMI was calculated. Oral status was evaluated using the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Form for Children, 2013. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.

RESULTS

Among the 164 participants, overweight/obese children had significantly higher decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and increased gingival inflammation compared to normal and underweight groups (p  < 0.01). A positive correlation was observed between BMI and DMFT scores (r = 0.377), as well as between BMI and periodontal status (r = 0.34). Urgency of intervention was also significantly associated with BMI.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that nutritional status may be an important indicator of oral health among children aged 12-15 years. Integrating BMI assessment into routine dental and school health programs may support early identification of at-risk children and facilitate comprehensive preventive strategies.