Association of anthropometric measures and dental caries among a group of adolescent cadets of Udupi district, South India.

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between anthropometric measures and dental caries among a group of adolescent cadets of Udupi district, India.

METHODS

Demographic information such as age, sex and parental education were collected. Various anthropometric measures such as weight, body mass index (BMI), height, mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference were recorded as per standard guidelines. Dental caries was recorded using mouth mirrors and CPI probes.

RESULTS

A total of 211 cadets with age range of 12-19 years constituted the final sample. Caries experience was significantly different with respect to age and gender (p=0.049 and 0.05 respectively). Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression with DMFT as dependent variable. Height, weight, BMI and WC showed significant association with dental caries status (OR = 10.61, 1.03, 1.09 and 1.02 respectively). Stratified analysis showed no association with anthropometric measures (height, weight, BMI and WC) and dental caries in 12-14 years. Among 15-19 years age group, there was a significant association between anthropometric measures (height, weight and BMI) and dental caries.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant association between anthropometric measures and caries status in 15-19 years age group while no association was found in 12-14 years age group. Obesity and dental caries have common risk determinants and require a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach by health care professionals.