IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-2-24238 Original Research Paper Association between body mass index and caries experience in school going children of Salem suburbs: A cross sectional study Lazar Muttath Dr. Vinola D Dr. Baby John J Dr. February 2020 9 2 01 02 ABSTRACT

Background Obesity and dental caries are widely–recognised problems that affect general health. The prevention of both dental caries and obesity have proven very difficult: children and their parents may need professional support to achieve behaviour change.Change in lifestyles and economic growth have led to sedentary lifestyle and altered dietary patterns. The aim of the present study was therefore to use anthropometric data obtained professionally to investigate the association between Body Mass Index and dental caries experience in school going children of Salem suburbs aged 6 to 12 years. Materials and Methods A total of two hundred children with in the age group of six to twelve years were evaluated. The parents of those children answered a questionnaire on socio demographic, oral hygiene and dietary information. The children’s height was measured in centimeters, the weight in kilograms, and BMI was calculated. A dental examination was done. All data were analyzed using Epi Info and Graph Pad Prism software. Results The mean BMI in the studied population was 14.66(+/–1.92 SD); all scores fell within the 13.31 to 16.16 BMI range. There was a positive correlation between caries experience andBMI deviations. Conclusion As BMI increases, the caries experience also tends to increase in school goingchildren of Salem suburbs.