Oral health and nutritional Status of Preschool-Aged Children in Maiduguri, North-East, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

The most prevalent oral diseases, dental caries and periodontal disease, result in pain, discomfort, and loss of oral functions, often leading to poor nutrition.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence and relationship between oral health and nutritional status among children aged 2 to 5 years in Maiduguri, North-East Nigeria.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study that assessed caries experience, gingival status and nutritional status of children. Anthropometric measurements of weight-for-age and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were used to assess nutritional status. Participants were randomly selected from three private schools. The MUAC was measured using a standardised tape rule. The weight-for-age by sex of the participants was extrapolated from the weight-for-age WHO chart. Oral health was assessed using the WHO Oral Health Survey Methods. Data were analysed using SPSS for Windows (version 23). Statistical significance was placed at 95% confidence and p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

There were 239 participants with a male:female ratio of 1.2:1 (SE=0.03). Mean dmft was 0.72 (SE 0.09) and 63.2% had healthy gingiva (SE 0.04). The mean weight was 16.8kg (SE=0.15) and mean MUAC was 15.3 cm. Caries prevalence was associated with nutritional status and positively correlated (r=0.03, P=0.64). Gingival status was associated but inversely correlated with MUAC (r= -0.02, P= 0.76).

CONCLUSION

Normal nutritional status was associated with no caries prevalence and healthy gingiva. Underweight was associated with caries prevalence. Adequate and healthy nutrition promotes good oral health in children.