"RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DENTAL CARIES, DIET, & BMI IN SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH MIDDAY MEALS & LUNCH BOXES IN BADGAON TEHSIL, UDAIPUR"

Background : Dental caries is a common yet preventable condition among school-aged children. Frequent intake of fermentable carbohydrates & sugar-sweetened beverages increases caries risk & contributes to weight gain & higher BMI.This study will help to explore the information regarding cariogenic food consumption patterns of school children & their association with dental caries & BMI. Aim : The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the relationship between dental caries, food intake, and body mass index in school-age children having mid- day meal and lunch box food. Methodology/Study Design : A cross sectional descriptive study involving 154 children aged 6-9 years from private & government schools.Clinical assessment of caries status was done using DMFT index.BMI was evaluated and 24-hour diet chart was taken.. Lunch boxes were inspected during lunch breaks.The data obtained be analysed using SPSS version 21 software. Results ::Majority of the students were girls(55.8%) and boys (44.4%) from class I- IV & their weights varied from 10.8 kg to 43.7 kg, with a mean weight of 20.76 kg .It was observed that the most frequently consumed food in the lunch box was chapati and vegetables (45%) followed by poha (28%) and biscuits (22%). On the other hand mid day meal consisted chapati and dal .The sweet score(9.80) and dmft(2.33) values of lunch box having children are high comparing it with mid day meal.BMI values of both group signigicantly varies. Conclusion: The type of diet has significant impact on children's sweet consumption score & also influence BMI.Lunch box contents were found to be more cariogenic but has better nutritional value as compared to mid day meal.