The Association Between Decay Missing Filled Tooth Index and Body Mass Index in a Group of Preschool Children

Liana Beresescu; Florina Daniela Ruta; Denisa Oprea; Raluca Sabau; Alexandra Mihaela Stoica

doi:10.2478/amma-2024-0033

Liana Beresescu Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Romania
Florina Daniela Ruta University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology "G. E. Palade" of Targu Mures
Denisa Oprea Student, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Romania
Raluca Sabau Private practice, Tîrgu Mureș. Romania
Alexandra Mihaela Stoica Department of Odontology and Oral Pathology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Romania

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amma-2024-0033

Keywords: dmft index, body mass index, preschool children

Abstract

Background: Dental caries and obesity are prevalent chronic conditions across all age groups, with common multifactorial causes such as diet and socioeconomic status.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between the decay missing filled tooth (dmft) index and body mass index (BMI) in preschool children.

Materials and Methods: The study included 390 children aged 4 to 6 years, comprising 262 boys and 128 girls. The dmft indices were assessed by two dentists, while anthropometric measurements were conducted by a nutritionist. BMI was calculated using the WHO AnthroPlus application.

Results: Most children were of normal weight (332), with 28 being underweight and 30 overweight. There were no obese children. Underweight children had a mean dmft index of 3.7 ± 3.56, significantly higher than those of normal weight (2.0 ± 1.88) and overweight children (1.9 ± 1.60).

Conclusions: This study highlighted an association between the dmft index and BMI in preschool children, with underweight children having a higher dmft index compared to those of normal weight and overweight.