[The relation between protein energy malnutrition and gingival status in children]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between protein-energy malnutrition and gingivitis in children in Damascus and its suburbs. For this purpose we used a random sample of 840 male and female children aged 6-t2 years. Their gums were examined. The bleedins indexes were recorded for both primaw and permanent teeth. Anthropometric measures were taken: Weight for age. Height for age and Weight for Height. We found that gingivitis increased among low weight children [44%] compared to normal children [31%]. It was more severe in low-height children in comparison to others. These findings necessitate the promotion of preventive care in order to insure gingival hygiene, particularly by following a balanced diet