Effect of obesity and lifestyle on the oral health of pre adolescent children.
BACKGROUND
Worldwide estimates of childhood obesity are as high as 43 million, and rates continue to increase each year. Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the present era and it causes serious consequences in the later years. In today's society, electronic media have been thoroughly integrated into the fabric of life, with television, video games, and computers being central to both work and play. While these media outlets can provide education and entertainment to children, many researches are concerned with the negative impact of electronic media on children.


OBJECTIVE
The current study aimed to evaluate the correlation, as to how oral hygiene and periodontal health were influenced by obesity and lifestyle factors, among pre-adolescents of ages of 9-12 years.


METHODS
This study was conducted in schools located around Velachery, Chennai, India. A total of 426 children of age group of 9-12 years were selected. Information on their socio-economic, dietary, oral health statuses and time spent in leisure activities were assessed by using a questionnaire, followed by BMI estimation and these variables were correlated with their oral hygiene statuses.


RESULTS
The prevalence of poor oral hygiene and poor dietary habits was observed in children who spent more time in watching television, playing videogames and using computer. Good oral hygiene was observed in children who had visited dentists in the past.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a strong association of lifestyle factors with oral hygiene in pre-adolescent children. Sedentary lifestyle, with more leisure activities, has a negative impact on the oral health of children.
Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics, Shree Balaji Dental College , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
Nithya
N
Anand
C.R.R.I, Department of Periodontics, Shree Balaji Dental College , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
M
M
Suresh
Professor and H.O.D, Department of Periodontics, Shree Balaji Dental College and Hospital , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
S C
SC
Chandrasekaran
Periodontal health; Pre adoloscents; Sedentary lifestyle