ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and dental caries.

The study was conducted in three different public schools in Izmir and included 527 children within the age range of 6-13 years. The students were examined by two qualified dentists, according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations by using dental mirrors and explorers under daylight and scores of caries, missings and fillings (DMFT, dft) were recorded. Children’s height and weight were measured with a physician and via digital scale and ruler and BMI values were calculated. BMI was categorized into four groups as follows: underweight, normal, overweight and obese and analyzed to determine the association between experience of caries and BMI. Categorical data was analyzed by chi- square test and for the comparison of the 3 groups Kruskal-Wallis test was used.

When the four groups of BMI were considered, DMFT scores were not significantly different in any age group.

More detailed long-term studies are required in order to identify the association between dental caries and obesity.