An Investigation on Relationship between Prevalence of Dental Caries and Underweight in 6-10 Year Old Children in Gachsaran.

Statement of Problem: Children need good nutrition for growth and development as they are at high risk of being underweight. This is even more important in areas with low socioeconomic status and health care. Previous studies have shown relationship between caries and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to investigate nutrition status among school children of Gachsaran and compare the result to prevalence of dental cares. This is a cross-sectional study. The weight of 250 students aged 6-10 years (125 boys and 125 girls) were measured. Nutritional status of selected children was determined by criteria of weight for age. Then the percentage of dental caries measured by dental examination and the relationship between rate of caries and antirational status were analyzed by Chi-squire test. Being underweight was more common among girls. There was significant association between underweight and father’s employment and higher number of family members (p=0.01). There was not significant relationship between underweight and educational level of parent and mother’s occupation. The percentages of caries were 84.8% in girls and 93.6% in boys. There was not a significant relationship between prevalence of cares and underweight in girls but it was significant in boys (p<0.05). There was not significant relationship between underweight and prevalence of caries among girls but it was significant in boys. It seems that sufficient oral hygiene instruction (OHI), correct nutritional habit and preventive information in this area can play an effective role in prevention of dental caries and underweight prevalence.