Excessive Weight Gain and Dental Caries Experience among Children Affected by ADHD

Abstract

In recent years, attention has been paid to the co-occurrence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity, but results in relation to dental caries outcomes differ. The study was conducted to determine obesity/overweight and dental caries in children suffering from ADHD and to draw comparisons with non-ADHD children. A total of 119 children under 11 years old (8.2 ± 1.2) were enrolled into a cross-sectional study: those with confirmed ADHD (n = 39), and healthy controls (n = 80). The behavioral evaluation included a parent interview directed at sweetened food/drink habits. The clinical evaluation included physical measurements (height, waist, hip circumference, body weight, body mass index (BMI), and dental examination (International Caries Detection and Assessment System—ICDAS). Results showed a higher prevalence of abnormal body weight, hip circumference, and BMI, and a higher frequency of caries (84.6%) in the ADHD group. Significant caries differences for primary (ICDAS 0, 1, 2, 5, 6 scores) and permanent teeth (ICDAS 1, 3 scores) were recorded. The questionnaire pinpointed interplays between sugar consumption and tooth decay, especially for primary dentition. It can be concluded that the consumption of sweetened foods/drinks among ADHD children may lead to an increased rate of overweight, but may also affect oral health. Limiting sugar consumption might be one of the important elements in prevention programmes against dental caries and overweight/obesity.

Associations between dental caries and systemic diseases: a scoping review

“…High prevalence of dental caries (59.3 %) with mean DMFT/dmft of 1.71 ± 2.42 / 2.22 ± 3.23 were noted. Further, caregiver’s education level of less than 8 years was found to be associated with dental caries experience using a Poisson Regression model [PR = 1.439 (1.09–1.89)] Conclusion: CP patients demonstrated high caries prevalence and association with fewer education years of caregivers Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Paszynska et al [ 81 ] Determine prevalence of obesity/overweight (BMI) and dental caries (ICDAS) in children (under 11 years of age) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and compare with non-ADHD control group. Behavioral evaluation and parent interview for food habits was also conducted Case-control 119 (39 cases and 80 controls) Poland Outcomes: ADHD group had significantly higher BMI compared to controls (p = 0.016).…”

“…In a case-control study of participants with ADHD, Paszynska et al found significantly higher BMI in test group and significantly higher ICDAS 5 and 6 scores (teeth with advanced caries) in the primary dentition. They also found that increased intake of sugary foods and drinks were significantly higher in ADHD group[ 81 ]. It appears that in studies determining associations of dental caries with neurological and behavioral disorders, standardized interviews for caretakers, food habits and other social determinants will be crucial in order to draw informed conclusions and not extrapolate mechanistic links between systemic diseases and dental caries.…”

Stress/Immune Biomarkers in Saliva among Children with ADHD Status

“…Their concentrations in saliva are essential also for stimulating dental caries development in the oral cavity. Our previous study showed high dental caries in primary and permanent dentition among ADHD children [ 58 ]. Additionally, tooth decay was related to sweetened drink intake [ 58 ].…”

“…Our previous study showed high dental caries in primary and permanent dentition among ADHD children [ 58 ]. Additionally, tooth decay was related to sweetened drink intake [ 58 ]. Therefore, alpha-amylase and immune biomarkers may both be at an enhanced level, and further research is necessary to link oral homeostasis and ADHD.…”

Differences between Obese and Non-Obese Children and Adolescents Regarding Their Oral Status and Blood Markers of Kidney Diseases

“…Based on the literature review on childhood obesity, cause-and-effect relationships to oral diseases show strong associations with periodontal diseases and different relationships to caries progression, such as confirming [24][25][26] or denying [27][28][29][30]. It seems to depend on multiple factors contributing to the disease progress and the risk of dental caries in primary and permanent dentition among pediatric patients affected by simple obesity.…”