Evaluation of the effect of obesity on oral health and halitosis in children

OBJECTIVE: Obesity has become one of the leading health concerns in the world. There has been limited data on the effect of obesity on oral health in children and no research has specifically examined the impact of obesity on halitosis in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of obesity on oral health parameters including dental caries, periodontal health, and halitosis in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 295 children aged 10-13 years were included in the study. Height, body weight, and waist circumference were measured, and body mass index (BMI), z-scores, and percentile values were calculated using the WHO AnthroPlus 2007 program. Participants were classified into obese and non-obese groups. The obese group consisted of overweight/obese children, whereas the non-obese group comprised underweight/normal weight children. Oral health status, including the presence of halitosis, was assessed. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to the parents. The collected data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and multivariable logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The obese group consisted of 111 children (37.6%), whereas the non-obese group comprised 184 children (62.4%). No statistically significant differences were observed between the obese and non-obese groups regarding DMFT/DMFS, dmft/dmfs, ICDAS II, plaque index, or gingival index scores. However, a statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence of halitosis between the groups. The frequency of halitosis was significantly higher in the obese group (24.3%) than in the non-obese group (14.7%) (p = 0.038). Furthermore, the association between tongue coating and halitosis was statistically significant in the non-obese group (p = 0.049), but not in the obese group (p = 0.790). Multivariable logistic regression analysis also identified overweight and obesity as potential risk factors for halitosis (OR = 1.847, 95% CI: 1.006-3.389). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the well-known causes of halitosis, overweight and obesity may also be considered potential risk factors in children. Parents should be informed that overweight and obesity may be associated with bad breath, which can lead to embarrassment and anxiety in children.