The association between nutritional status and dental caries in low‐income children: A multilevel analysis

Background The possible association between obesity, underweight, and dental caries remains in debate. In addition, the role of sugar consumption on the abovementioned relationship was little explored. Aim This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and dental caries...

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Published in:International journal of paediatric dentistry 2020-09, Vol.30 (5), p.607-618
Main Authors: Rego, Iana Nogueira, Cohen‐Carneiro, Flávia, Vettore, Mario Vianna, Herkrath, Fernando José, Herkrath, Ana Paula Corrêa de Queiroz, Rebelo, Maria Augusta Bessa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Body mass index
Children
Dental caries
Dentistry
Malnutrition
Nutritional status
Sugar
Teeth
theoretical model
Underweight
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Summary:Background The possible association between obesity, underweight, and dental caries remains in debate. In addition, the role of sugar consumption on the abovementioned relationship was little explored. Aim This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and dental caries in 12‐year‐old low‐income children. Design This cross‐sectional school‐based study involved 406 12‐year‐old children living with limited economic resources. Dental caries was assessed using the decayed component of DMFT and PUFA/pufa index. Children were weighed and measured to assess nutritional status according to z‐score/body mass index. Data on socio‐economic and demographic characteristics, sugar consumption, sedentary behaviour, and psychosocial factors were collected through validated questionnaires. Multivariable multilevel Poisson regression was performed. Results Underweight children had 60% (RR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.13‐2.57) higher mean of decayed teeth and had mean PUFA/pufa 2.8 times higher than children with normal nutritional status. Underweight children with high annual sugar intake had a greater mean of decayed teeth (RR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.46‐5.06) than underweight children with low sugar intake. Conclusions Our findings suggest that malnutrition is associated with dental caries among children from low‐income families.
ISSN:0960-7439
1365-263X
DOI:10.1111/ipd.12637