Trips to the dentist are a routine part of many parents and their children. This problem so common in childhood appears to be related to obesity, as poor nutrition may be the cause of both health problems, according to a study at the University of Buffalo (USA).
The study authors say that poor food choices, like soda and other sugary drinks, are encouraging both the development of caries as obesity among children.
Cavities are one of the most common health problems in children, while childhood obesity has tripled in the last three decades.
Kathleen Bethina, in charge of the team that conducted the study, detailing the points to which special attention was paid: body mass index, energy consumption and metabolic profile of 65 children of 2-5 years.
Scientists also measured factors such as waist circumference of small, and they drew blood. All these children had undergone surgery, under anesthesia, because of the severity of the problems that developed on their teeth. Parents, in turn, completed a questionnaire on eating habits of their children.
The researchers noted that 28% of boys were overweight operated or obese. The waist circumference in relation to their height, was more pronounced in these children with weight problems. In analyzing the questionnaire relating to food, Bethina noted that 71% of participants consumed more calories than appropriate for their age.
The specialist explained that the difference between healthy children and children with weight problems and tooth decay was in the type of food they ate. The main finding of our study is that poor nutrition seems to link obesity to tooth decay, “says Bethina. Therefore, the dentist’s room is an ideal place to educate parents about nutrition and the risks of obesity and tooth problems.
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nutrition and dental caries/Tags: caries, cavities, Dental Care, nutrition, obesity, teeth, tooth, tooth decay
