Work

Relationship between salivary flow rate and dental caries in normal and underweight children: a comparative cross-sectional study from district Tharparkar

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Objectives: This study aims to explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI), salivary flow rate, and dental caries among children in Tharparkar. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months involving 179 children aged 8-12 years from Tharparkar and Hyderabad. Weight and height were recorded, BMI was computed using height and weight, and salivary flow rate was measured using the spitting method. Dental caries were assessed using the DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and independent t-tests were performed to assess group differences. Results: = 0.009) compared to normal-weight peers. No significant differences were found in permanent teeth DMFT scores or salivary flow rates between BMI groups. Conclusions: Underweight children exhibited a higher prevalence of dental caries in their primary teeth, underscoring the need for integrated nutritional and oral health interventions in vulnerable populations. However, salivary flow rate did not differ significantly between BMI groups, suggesting other factors may play a more critical role in caries prevention.

Source: PeerJ

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.19128

Authors: Abdul Qadir Khan Dall, Muhammad Adeel Ahmed, Fizza Zulfiqar, Sarwat Batool, Rizwan Jouhar, Muhammad Faheemuddin

Institutions: Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, King Faisal University

Language: English

Topic: Dental Health and Care Utilization

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,395