The prevalence of overweight/obesity in high school adolescents in Jeddah and the association of obesity association with dental caries

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe prevalence of overweight/obesity in children in Saudi Arabia is among the highest in the world. The prevalence of dental caries is also high in Saudi children. Studies on the relationship between caries and obesity in Saudi adolescents are lacking.OBJECTIVESTo study the prevalence of overweight/obesity in adolescents, and determine any association between obesity and caries.DESIGNAn analytical cross-sectional study.SETTINGPrivate and public schools in Jeddah.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study sample comprised high school children from public and private schools selected by multistage stratified random sampling. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) were measured for all children, who were then classified as underweight/normal, overweight, or obese according to their BMI values, and nonobese or obese according to their WC values. The presence of caries was assessed using the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors criteria.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)The prevalence of overweight/obesity and the association of obesity with the number of decayed permanent teeth.RESULTS801 high school children (48% boys, 49% from public schools) with a mean (SD) age of 16.5 (0.9) years. When the BMI classification was used, 24%, 16%, and 60% adolescents were obese, overweight, and underweight/normal, respectively. When the WC classification was used, 19% and 81% were obese and nonobese, respectively. Obesity was more prevalent in boys and in students attending private schools (P<.05). The number of decayed permanent teeth showed a very weak and insignificant correlation with BMI and WC.CONCLUSIONOne in every four adolescents residing in Jeddah was obese, with a high obesity prevalence in boys and in children attending private schools. The prevalence of caries in the permanent dentition was not associated with BMI or WC.LIMITATIONSIt was difficult to establish temporality in this cross-sectional study. Data on common risk factors were not adjusted for in the analyses.

Dental caries and its association with body mass index among school children of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“…The findings of this study showed that overweight/obesity was not correlated to dental caries, which was in agreement with a number of studies,[ 28 29 30 31 32 33 ] although conflicting results are presented in various studies. Some studies have found positive relation,[ 13 15 ] whereas other studies have shown negative relation.…”

“…It showed a weak positive correlation between DMFT and BMI and statistical significance could be due to large sample size. [ 29 ]…”

Obesity and dental caries among South Brazilian schoolchildren: a 2.5-year longitudinal study

“…4 Studies investigating the association between overweight/obesity and dental caries in children and adolescents have shown inconsistent results. Whereas most cross-sectional studies have shown a lack of association between obesity and dental caries, 4,5,6 a direct 7,8,9 and even an inverse association have been reported. 10,11,12 Regarding the impact of obesity on the incidence of dental caries, a systematic review of longitudinal studies by Li et al 13 showed conflicting evidence.…”

Influence of body mass index on severity of dental caries: cross-sectional study in healthy adults

“…In addition, several studies failed to demonstrate a significant relationship between childhood obesity and dental caries. 13 – 15 Given the current debate, this study, therefore, aimed to assess the relationship between teeth status represented by decayed, missed, filled teeth index (DMFT), and BMI among healthy adults.…”