Association Between Nutritional Status and Tooth Count: A Clinical Study.

AIM AND BACKGROUND

This cross-sectional study investigates the correlation between nutritional status, as indicated by body mass index (BMI), and tooth count among schoolchildren aged 9-12 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 400 students from government to private schools participated in the study, with anthropometric measurements and dental examinations conducted to assess BMI and tooth count, respectively.

RESULTS

The analysis reveals significant relationships between BMI and the number of primary and permanent teeth, with notable differences observed between boys and girls. Specifically, children with higher BMI tend to have fewer primary teeth but more permanent teeth, reflecting normal dental development and potentially indicating better nutritional status. Gender-specific correlation analyses further elucidate these relationships, highlighting variations in growth and development patterns.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the importance of considering both nutritional status and dental health in pediatric health assessments and suggest that interventions aimed at improving children's nutrition could have beneficial effects on their oral health and vice versa.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Integrated strategies addressing both nutrition and oral health are crucial for promoting healthier growth and development in school-aged children. Further research, including longitudinal studies and investigations into specific nutrients' impact on dental health, is warranted to better understand the causal mechanisms underlying these correlations and inform targeted interventions.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Kanodia SK, Khairwa A, Yadav A, Association Between Nutritional Status and Tooth Count: A Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(2):157-160.