Association between Body Mass Index and Dental Caries: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 – 2015 / 대한소아치과학회지

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and dental caries by considering related factors in Korean children and adolescents. A total of 2,874 children, aged from 2 to 18, who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 – 2015 were included. BMI (kg/m²) was calculated, and participants were categorized into 4 groups using age and gender specific criteria. Decayed and filled teeth index were obtained. There were statistically significant differences in DMFT index between overweight group and other groups (p < 0.01). Underweight group showed the highest mean DMFT index compared to other groups. These findings suggest that children in obesity and underweight group tend to have more caries than normal group in this study.