title: [The relation between protein energy malnutrition and gingival status in children].
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between protein-energy malnutrition and gingivitis in children in Damascus and its suburbs. For this purpose we used a random sample of 840 male and female children aged 6-12 years. Their gums were examined. The bleeding indexes were recorded for both primary and permanent teeth. Anthropometric measures were taken: Weight for age, Height for age and Weight for Height. We found that gingivitis increased among low weight children (44%) compared to normal children (31%). It was more severe in low-height children in comparison to others. These findings necessitate the promotion of preventive care in order to insure gingival hygiene, particularly by following a balanced diet.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Dashash
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002669:Child Welfare; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009909:Oral Health; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013593:Syria / Q000453:epidemiology; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*