Relationship Between Body Mass Index, Dental Caries and Diet Among A Group of 6-12 Years Old School Going Children in Bhopal City

<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB">Abstract</span></strong></p> <p><span lang="EN-IN">This study aims to evaluate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), dental caries, and dietary habits among children residing in Bhopal city. Both childhood obesity and dental caries are increasingly prevalent public health issues that can have long-term impacts on an individual's overall health and well-being. With changing dietary patterns, lifestyle shifts, and reduced physical activity among children, the coexistence of these two conditions has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and policy makers. Understanding whether a link exists between these conditions, and if so, how dietary habits mediate this relationship, is critical for designing holistic and effective health interventions. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-IN">A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a representative sample of school-aged children in Bhopal. Participants were categorized based on their Body Mass Index (BMI) using standardized percentile charts according to age and sex. Dental caries status was assessed using the widely accepted DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth for permanent teeth) and dmft (for primary teeth) indices. To explore dietary habits, structured questionnaires were distributed to collect information on the frequency of sugar intake, number of meals and snacks consumed per day, and general eating behavior, including preferences for processed or high-sugar foods. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-IN">The findings revealed a complex and varied association between BMI and dental caries. While some children with high BMI exhibited a greater prevalence of dental caries—primarily attributed to unhealthy dietary choices and frequent consumption of cariogenic foods—others in the same BMI category showed a lower incidence of caries, potentially due to limited sugar exposure or better oral hygiene practices. Similarly, children with normal or low BMI were not exempt from dental caries, indicating that low BMI does not necessarily equate to lower caries risk. These results suggest that while BMI may be a contributing factor in some cases, it is not a direct or consistent predictor of dental caries.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-IN">The study concludes that dietary habits play a more significant and mediating role in the occurrence of dental </span><span lang="EN-GB">caries than BMI alone. Therefore, integrated health education initiatives focusing on both nutrition and oral hygiene should be emphasized in school-based and community-level programs. Promoting awareness about balanced diets and effective oral care practices could contribute significantly to improving the overall health outcomes of children.</span></p>