Association of anthropometric measures and dental caries among a group of adolescent cadets of udupi district, South India

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between anthropometric measures and dental caries among a group of adolescent cadets of Udupi district, India. METHODS: Demographic information such as age, sex and parental education were collected. Various anthropometric measures such as weight, body mass index (BMI), height, mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference were recorded as per standard guidelines. Dental caries was recorded using mouth mirrors and CPI probes. RESULTS: A total of 211 cadets with age range of 12-19 years constituted the final sample. Caries experience was significantly different with respect to age and gender (p=0.049 and 0.05 respectively). Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression with DMFT as dependent variable. Height, weight, BMI and WC showed significant association with dental caries status (OR = 10.61, 1.03, 1.09 and 1.02 respectively). Stratified analysis showed no association with anthropometric measures (height, weight, BMI and WC) and dental caries in 12-14 years. Among 15-19 years age group, there was a significant association between anthropometric measures (height, weight and BMI) and dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between anthropometric measures and caries status in 15-19 years age group while no association was found in 12-14 years age group. Obesity and dental caries have common risk determinants and require a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach by health care professionals.