Abstract
Aims
The aims of the present study are to investigate the relationship between the anthropometric indicators and peculiarities of the nutritional intake in people with overweight and obesity and the risk factors for the development of dental caries in adults.
Materials and Methods
The study involved 264 individuals aged between 18 and 60 years. The following risk factors for the development of dental caries were traced: diet (carbohydrate intake), oral hygiene habits and social status in overweight and obese people. The dental caries incidence was determined through the DMFT index, by assessing the total number of teeth which are decayed (D), missing (M) due to caries, or filled (treated, F).
Results
The age-related distribution was as follows: from 18 to 25 years – 14.4%; from 25 to 35 years – 16.7%; from 35 to 50 years – 42.4%; and over 50 years – 26.5%. The established average BMI was 25.60 ± 4.359, with the lowest and highest measured values – 18.5 and 37.55, respectively. The value of DMFT was 12.55 ± 5.545. A direct correlation between the elevated incidence of dental caries in patients with overweight and obesity was revealed. No significant relationship was found between the decreased nutritional intake of vitamin D and the incidence of dental caries in individuals with Class I and Class II obesity.
Conclusion
Dental caries and obesity have a similar etiology – improper dietary habits, excessive consumption of foods containing low molecular weight carbohydrates and carbonated beverages. The reported higher levels of dental caries in these groups could be explained by an improper diet and more frequent snacking.