Relationship of Dental Caries and Body Mass Index amongst School Children in Hail, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine caries prevalence and its association with body mass index in school children between 9-12 years of age in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 524 school children 9-12 years of age. These children were selected from 9 Public schools in Hail Province. Dental caries was recorded as per criteria established by the World Health Organization using assessment form for children 2013. Children were weighed using an electronic scale nearest to 0.1 kg with children attired in light clothing and wearing no shoes. The height was measured using a stadiometer to the nearest full centimeter with the children in a standing position. Body Mass Index (BMI) was determined using the formula BMI = kg/m2. Results: Caries prevalence in the population was 86%. The comparisons of mean DMFT between the groups demonstrate higher scores in the overweight group (mean=2.43) compared to normal weight (mean=1.85) and underweight children (mean=1.56) which is statistically significant (p=0.000). Bonferroni Post hoc test to compare the underweight and overweight group (p=0.000) and overweight and normal weight (p=0.000) were highly significant. Conclusion: A positive correlation of caries severity, namely DMFT, with BMI is established.

Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Bioactive Glass, Tricalcium Phosphate, and Ozone Remineralizing Agents on Artificial Carious Lesion.

Objectives: Evaluation of efficacy of bioactive glass (BAG), tricalcium phosphate, and ozone remineralizing agents on artificial carious lesion. Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted 48 human premolar teeth were included for this in vitro study. Remineralization of demineralized teeth was done with respective remineralizing agents (Group A - calcium sodium phosphosilicate [BAG], Group B - tricalcium phosphate [Clinpro Tooth Crème], Group C - ozone remineralizing agents, and control group: Group D - deionized water) three times a day for 12 days for 4 min. The degree of demineralization and remineralization was evaluated with Vickers hardness number. Results: There was a decrease in microhardness from baseline to demineralization in all the groups. The difference in microhardness values from demineralization to remineralization in all the three test groups was found to be statistically highly significant. Conclusion: BAG and Tricalcium phosphate had higher remineralizing capacity, which can be used clinically to treat early carious lesions.