Relationship of Anthropometric Measurements and Nutritional Status with Early Childhood Caries among Rural Preschool Children - A Cross-sectional Analytical Study

Objectives:The objective is to assess the association between anthropometric measurements and nutritional status with early childhood caries among 3-5 years old rural children.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at rural Anganwadi centers (AWCs) among 868 preschool children selected from 80 AWCs centers using a multistage sampling technique. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, mid-arm circumference, and head circumference were assessed. The nutritional status of children was calculated based on Z scores using the World Health Organization Anthropometry software version 3.2.2. Dental caries experience was recorded using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System index. SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. The association between nutritional status and dental caries was obtained using correlation and regression analysis.Results:Out of the total children examined for the present study 49.65% were male and 50.34% were female. The prevalence of malnutrition among study participants was stunting (15.4%), underweight (7.4%), and wasting (5.0%), respectively. A study reported a negative correlation between body mass index and caries scores (r = -0.094; P = 0.005). Children with stunting, wasting, and underweight, respectively, had 2.3, 4.5, and 8.3 times odds of having dental caries than well-nourished children.Conclusion:Children with malnutrition may have higher chances of developing dental caries than their healthy counterparts.