An investigation into the dental health of children with obesity: an analysis of dental erosion and caries status

Aim To investigate whether children with obesity experienced more erosion and caries than children with normal weight. Methods This study involved children aged 7–15 years. The study and control group comprised 32 children with BMI > 98th centile and 32 healthy children with normal BMI-for-age, respectively. O’Sullivan Erosion Index and WHO Caries Index were used in the examination of erosion and caries, respectively. Stimulated salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli counts (CFU/ml) were evaluated. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was employed to collect information on participant’s demographic background, oral health history and habits, and utilisation of dental care services. Results Children with obesity were more likely to have erosion than healthy children ( p