Effects of nutritional and socio-economic status on oral hygiene in children

ABSTRACT

Oral hygiene and personal hygiene are the efficient form of preventive health measures. M Poor oral hygiene, measles and malnutrition are implicated as predisposing factors to Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis [ANUG] and cancrum oris. Malnutrition predominantly affects third world countries where there is a limited supply of nutrient rich foods. Some third world nations also lack particular nutrients such as vitamin C, B and calcium resulting in poor oral health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nutritional and socio-economic status on oral hygiene among Egyptian children. 800 children aged 5 to 8 years were examined. They were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire to record past oral and dental health history, dietary and socio-economic data of children and their parents, as well as, measles immunization status of children. The nutritional status of children was determined using anthropometric measurements. Oral Hygiene was assessed using Oral Hygiene Index Simplified [OHI-S]. Children aged 5-<6 years comprised the highest percent in the malnourished group [41%]. However, in normal nourished children the highest percentage of children were among the age group [7-8 years] comprising [42%]. Higher incidence of malnourished children [34%] was among the low socio-economic level households compared to [16.8%] in middle socio-economic level households, the difference was statistically significant. Results revealed significant statistical association between mother's educational level and nutritional status of their children. The highest percentage of gingivitis was in children who do not brush at all followed by those who brush their teeth daily then children who do not frequently use the brush respectively. There was a significant difference between the frequencies of drinking fizzy drinks in the overweight subgroup on oral hygiene compared with sweets and crunches. There was a significant statistical association between affected gingival level and nutritional status. This study could be concluded that a reciprocal interrelationship between the level of malnutrition and oral hygiene status among children. The presented findings of this study could throw the light on the urgent need for nutritional assessment protocols via a recall schedule as well as intervention programs, such as regular systematic oral examination and treatment for children at different ages