Association of Body Mass Index, Oral Hygiene and Dietary Factors with Early Childhood Caries and Severe Early Childhood Caries in Hadoti region

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the association of Body Mass Index, Oral Hygiene and Dietary Factors with Early Childhood Caries and Severe Early Childhood Caries

MATERIAL & METHODS: 200 children aged 3-6 years diagnosed with Early Childhood Caries and Severe Early Childhood Caries reporting to the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry were selected. Height and weight measurements were recorded for all the children who participated in the study. Body Mass Index was calculated and children were divided in four categories – Underweight, Healthy, Overweight, Obese. Oral hygiene associated factors and dietary factors were assessed by a questionnaire. Oral hygiene associated factors and dietary factors of both Early Childhood Caries and Severe Early Childhood Caries children were compared statistically.

RESULTS: Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the co-relation of body mass index, dietary factors, oral hygiene factors with early childhood caries and severe early childhood caries. The test revealed statistically significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION: Early Childhood Caries (ECC), Severe Early Childhood Caries (SECC) and all categories of Body Mass Index share common contributing factors including dietary and oral hygiene.