Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is state of abnormal accumulation of fat in adipose tissues of the body to the level that one’s health is adversely compromised. Tripathi et al. stated (according to World Health Organization (WHO)), obesity is now considered fifth leading cause of Mortality in the world. Reports suggest prevalence of obesity in the last two decades has doubled in developed and developing countries. Caries is a multifactorial disease and one of the major oral health issues of modern era effecting people around the globe. It is the main cause of Dental pain and loss of tooth. Rise in dental caries has been observed in developing countries as a result of factors including increase intake of carbohydrate and high sugar diet in form of deserts. Present study aims for accessing association between decayed missed filled teeth (DMFT) with Body Mass Index (BMI), Age and Gender. Study was conducted in Dental outpatient department (OPD) of Dow University of Health Sciences (Pakistan) between Feb 2016 and Jan 2017.

Methodology: A custom-made questionnaire was used to access BMI, DMFT, and socio-demographic of participants via interview. Sample size was kept at 385. Participant within age group of 14 to 65 yrs. old were included. BMI was categorized as underweight (BMI <18.5), Normal (BMI 18.5-24.9), Overweight (BMI 25-30) and Obese (BMI >30). Participant were acquired regarding their eating habits, frequency of eating consumption of refined sugars, Snacks and fast foods, Physical activity and tooth brushing habits. Caries prevalence was assessed via standard criteria set upon by WHO, the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Chi-square test was used to study the relationship between variables and to compare means and p value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Linear logistic regression analysis was used to determine the degree of association between obesity and dental caries and other variables.

Results: Age reported as a strong predictor (R2 0.641) of DMFT followed by BMI and Gender as being a weakest predictor. Age and BMI had demonstrated statistically significant association with DMFT scores. Diet patterns affect general health, high calories over long periods effect BMI if quality of health is not maintained. Refined sugary diet in high calories increases risk of caries. Increasing age brings plethora of health problems, including Oral health issues also.

Conclusion: Present study has demonstrated possible BMI and age association with DMFT, Further studies taking into consideration certain confounding variables and DMFT association with Socioeconomic status will reveal more conclusive findings.