title: Association between body mass index, diet and dental caries in Grade 6 boys in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
abstract: The prevalence of obesity is increasing in Saudi Arabia and although caries is associated with obesity, this association has not been investigated in Medina. This study aimed to determine the association between dental caries, body mass index (BMI) and dietary habits of 12-year-old boys from four geographically distinct schools in Medina. Mean BMI was 22.17 kg/m² (± 5.15); 41% had normal BMI, 25% were overweight and 30% were obese. The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score was 1.46 (± 2.04). Those in the normal BMI range had a significantly higher prevalence of caries (57%) and DMFT score (1.92) compared with the overweight and obese groups (P < 0.05). These differences remained significant after controlling for possible confounders via linear regression. Mean BMI was significantly lower in boys with severe compared with mild or no caries. Normal and underweight participants had an almost 2 times greater risk of developing caries compared with their overweight and obese counterparts. The children had poor dietary habits and there were no significant associations between dietary variables and caries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Dentistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University Dental College & Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bhayat
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University Dental College & Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University Dental College & Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Fadel
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires