Evaluation of total antioxidant level of saliva in modulation of caries occurrence and progression in children.

CONTEXT: Recent studies have implicated a direct relation between dental caries and salivary total antioxidant level (TAL), which can be suggested as an indicator (either harmful or protective) for susceptibility of individuals for dental caries. AIM: To evaluate the total antioxidant level (TAL) in unstimulated saliva of children, and to correlate the TAL with caries experience and BMI (body mass index). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: 60 children, aged 6-12 yrs, were randomly selected for the study. Two groups were made (study group n=30 and control group n=30), and subdivisions based on gender were made out of both groups [male (n=15) and female (n=15)]. In control group, subjects with no dental caries and study group, subjects having decayed teeth score ≥4 were included. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V. 21). Shapiro - Wilks test showed that TAL (absorbance) did not follow normal distribution. Hence, for comparison between cases and control for TAL non-parametric test namely Mann- Whitney U test was applied. RESULTS: Statistically significant strong positive correlation was seen between age and TAL (P< 0.05).

Does Taste Perception Effect Body Mass Index in Preschool Children?

INTRODUCTION: Eating trends established early in life leads to chronic life style disorders such as obesity, which is hard to overcome as child comes of age. Energy expenditure is less but caloric intake is high leading to disparity of energy balance in turn leading to obesity. Obesity is the outcome of a disparity between energy expenditure and caloric intake. Genes play a role in establishing eating habits, which is termed as genetic sensitivity to taste. AIM: To determine taste perception effect on body mass index (BMI) in preschool central Indian urban children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 500 children of 3-6 years were selected and genetic taste perception was assessed using PROP sensitivity test. Anthropometric measurements were recorded to obtain BMI value. Categorical variables were analysed using Pearson's Chi square test. RESULTS: Non tasters were mostly in overweight category i.e. 73.30% where as more number of tasters i.e. 59.70% were in underweight category. A significant correlation is seen between BMI and taste perception. No statistically significant correlation was seen between oral hygiene and taste perception. Females were predominant in both the tasters and non tasters categories. CONCLUSION: Taste perception showed significant relationship with BMI of children between 3-6-year-old children.