Relationship Between Tooth Decay and Body Mass Index Among 6-12 Year-Old Children in Ilam During 2016-2017

Background: The prevalence and severity of tooth decay have shown a significant increase in the past 20 years. This study evaluated the relationship between the amount of tooth decay and body mass index (BMI) in 6-12 year-old children in Ilam during 2016-2017. Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of 270 female and 250 male students in Ilam. Their weight and height and BMI were measured for each individual and the information on the examination of children’s teeth was inserted into relevant tables. Other research data (i.e., dietary habits, oral health instruction, and socioeconomic conditions) were gathered using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Results: There was no significant relationship between the amount of tooth decay and BMI among 6-12 children in Liam. Except for the 11-year-old (n=86) group demonstrating an inverse relationship between dmft and BMI (r = -0.185), an inverse relationship was found between the decay and observation of health although there was a direct relationship between the consumption of sugar materials and tooth decay. Conclusions: The results of the study revealed no significant relationship between the amount of tooth decay and BMI among 6-12 children in Ilam except for 9-year-old and 11-year-old groups.