Association of High BMI with Dental History, Sociodemographic Characteristics, and DMFT Index in Female Students at Taif University Sports Center: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background/

Objectives

Oral health has a significant impact on our overall well-being. The DMFT index assesses dental caries prevalence, whilst the body mass index (BMI) estimates body fat, with obesity defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Obesity adversely affects women's health, including increased risks of chronic diseases. In Saudi Arabia, with a rising obesity rate, especially amongst women, highlights the need to investigate the relationship between BMI and oral health. Our aim is to evaluate the association of high BMI (body mass index), dental history, diet, physical activity, and oral hygiene practices with DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) of female students at Taif University, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study included female students at a sports facility in Taif University, Saudi Arabia, with a high BMI. A convenience sampling technique was used. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their BMI. Data was then collected through structured interviews and oral examinations. The prevalence and types of chief complaints, sociodemographic status, and DMFT index in female students with a high BMI, as well as the possible mechanisms linking BMI, were analyzed.

Results

The study included 138 female students, 86 of whom were obese female students, aged 18-27. Compared to the control group, participants with higher BMI were more likely to visit the dentist due to pain and had a higher number of missing teeth. Systemic diseases, such as asthma and type 2 diabetes, were significantly more prevalent among obese participants. No significant correlation was found between BMI and dental hygiene practices or dietary habits. Higher BMI was significantly associated with an increase in missing teeth (β = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.18, p = 0.045). However, it was not found with the overall DMFT index.

Conclusions

higher BMI among female university students was associated with an increased prevalence of missing teeth and systemic diseases.