225 - Relationship Between BMI and Caries Risk in Pediatric Dental Patients

Purpose: Childhood obesity and early childhood caries have been prioritized as a health focus for the last 20 years according to Healthy People 2020 and 2030 health initiatives. The objective of this study is to assess for possible relationships between BMI and caries risk status (CRS) in pediatric patients 7-14 years of age, receiving oral health care at BronxCare Health System Pediatric Dental Clinic. We hypothesize that as BMI increases there is a positive correlation with high CRS in children ages 7-14 years of age.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of dental records of pediatric dental patients who presented for an oral examination at BronxCare Health System Pediatric Dental Clinic in 2023. BMI classification and CRS were identified from information recorded during the exam using the formula and guidelines provided by the CDC and AAPD, respectively. Data sets were analyzed using a chi-square statical test to determine significance of the difference in populations.

Results: Study was limited to the comparison of patients categorized as healthy or obese and high CRS across all ages and gender. Chi square test did not confirm statistical significance in the cumulative population (p=.208), but when separated by gender, the male population was significant (p=.026). Furthermore, we identified that 10-years-old was a potential transitional age from obesity to healthy in high CRS patients (p=.009).

Conclusion: We identified that obese 10-year-old pediatric dental male patients seen at BronxCare Health System pediatric dental clinic can be at an increased risk for higher caries risk status.


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