Is dental caries experience associated with adiposity status in preschool children?

BACKGROUND: To date, research on the relationship between dental caries experience and adiposity status is debated. AIM: To determine associations between dental caries experience and adiposity status among a community sample of preschool children in Hong Kong. DESIGN: Among a random sample of 5-year-old children, clinical assessment for dental caries was conducted using WHO criteria. Anthropometric measurements for body weight, body height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness (TRSKF) were performed to assess general adiposity, central adiposity, and peripheral adiposity. Associations between adiposity status and caries were examined in regression analyses. RESULTS: The response rate was 83.1% (324/390). Regression analyses (adjusted for tooth brushing habits, snacking habits, and socio-demographic factors) identified that weight/height ratio z-score was associated with caries experience: prevalence of dental caries experience (dmft > 0), OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.04, 1.91), and 'very high' caries experience (dmft ≥ SiC(10) Index value), OR 1.62, (95% CI 1.05, 2.50). In addition, WC z-score was associated with 'very high' caries experience (dmft ≥ SiC(10) Index value), OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.06, 2.81. CONCLUSION: In a Hong Kong community sample of preschool children, dental caries experience was associated with general adiposity (as assessed by weight/height ratio) and central adiposity (as assessed by WC).