Oral Health, Obesity Status and Nutritional Habits in Turkish Children and Adolescents: An Epidemiological Study

Abstract

Background: Studies evaluating the relationship between oral health status and obesity have provided conflicting data. Therefore, there is a great need to investigate and clarify the possible connection in a comprehensive sample. Aims: To assess the relationship of obesity and oral health status among children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 yearsold. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Data were obtained from 4,534 children and adolescents (2,018 boys and 2,516 girls). Questionnaires were sent home prior to examination; afterwards, anthropometric and dental data were collected from participants. Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth in the permanent dentition (DMFT), and deciduous dentition (dmft) index were used to measure oral health status. Height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body fat percentage were analyzed. Results: For DMFT scores, healthy (score=0) girls and boys had significantly higher BMI and WC values than unhealthy (score>1) girls and boys (p<0.05). Healthy girls had higher fat percentage values than unhealthy girls (p<0.05). In terms of CPI scores, healthy boys had lower BMI and WC values than unhealthy boys (p<0.05). According to multiple binary logistic regression results for model 1, BMI predicted DMFT scores in both genders but CPI scores only in boys. No beverage consumption predicted DMFT scores in boys, while milk consumption predicted DMFT scores in girls. No meal skipping predicted CPI scores in boys. For model 2, WC predicted DMFT scores in both genders and CPI scores only in boys. Milk consumption predicted DMFT scores only in girls. No meal skipping predicted CPI scores for both gender (p<0.05). According to DMFT, there were significant differences between the frequencies of the BMI groups (normal weight, overweight and obese) at the age of 7 (girls only), 9, 10, and 16 (boys only) years and overall (only girls) (p<0.05). According to CPI, significant differences between the frequencies of the BMI groups at the age of 16 (boys only) and 17 (girls only) were seen (p<0.05). Conclusion: Periodontal and dental status appears to correlate with nutritional habits and obesity. Obesity and dental/periodontal diseases are multifactorial diseases that follow similar risk patterns and develop from an interaction between chronic conditions originating early in life. It is important for all health professionals to educate patients at risk about the progression of periodontal and dental diseases and the importance of proper oral hygiene.

Association between dental hygiene, gingivitis and overweight or the risk of overweight in primary teeth of 4‐ and 5‐year‐old preschoolers in México

“…Obesity and periodontitis are serious public health problems. Several authors have reported the association between obesity or overweight and periodontal disease in children, adolescents and adults . Some of the mechanisms reported in the literature between the association of overweight or obesity and periodontal disease are as follows: (i) Poor dietary patterns, such as low calcium and vitamin C intake and higher intakes of sugars and fat, may affect oral tissues and immune response .…”

“…Being overweight, obesity and periodontal disease represent a serious public health problem in children and adults . Obesity and overweight are defined by the World Health Organization as diseases in which body fat or adipose tissue is accumulated abnormally or excessively, affecting the general health . The body mass index (BMI) is a value derived from the weight and height of an individual.…”

“…The body mass index (BMI) is a value derived from the weight and height of an individual. The normal weight (5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile), the risk of overweight (85th to less than the 95th percentile) and the overweight (Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile) are calculated with the BMI . The aetiology reported of the increase in the weight is multifactorial, with general and oral complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, respiratory disorders, psychological disorders, liver disorders, genetic diseases and oral diseases, including caries and periodontal disease.…”

“…Several authors have reported associations between overweight or obesity with periodontal disease . (i) The secretion of cytokines in periodontal tissues, (ii) microvascular disorders, (iii) metabolic alterations, (iv) alterations of saliva flow, (v) a poor or inadequate diet and (v) deficiencies of oral hygiene with the presence of bacteria in an altered immune system are factors that contribute to the destruction of periodontal tissues in children, adolescents and adults with overweight or obesity . It is necessary to identify possible associations between obesity and the overweight with periodontal disease at early ages to prevent consequences.…”

Childhood overweight-obesity and periodontal diseases: is there a real correlation?

“…In conclusion, the results want to focus the attention on the negative impact of obesity on gingival health in young subjects, probably due to a combination of factors, like metabolic and inflammatory profiles and the result of a careless attitude towards prevention diseases of the oral cavity, including hygiene procedures at home, knowledge of a balance diet and respect for periodic check-up to the dentist (29,30). In the literature is described the possibility of using protective microorganisms present in dental plaque as Lactobacillus brevis to suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria.…”