# Comparative Evaluation of Dental Age vs. Chronological Age in Healthy and Underweight Children Aged 8-16 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study compares dental age and chronological age in healthy and underweight children aged 8-16 to assess dental development.

## Contribution

It evaluates how underweight status affects dental maturation compared to chronological age using the Demirjian method.

## Key findings

- Dental age was consistently lower than chronological age across all groups.
- Underweight children showed a statistically significant difference in dental age compared to normal-weight children.
- Chronological age alone is insufficient for assessing dental development in underweight individuals.

## Abstract

Background

Tooth calcification is one of the most reliable methods of identification of dental maturation of an individual. When physical growth is concerned, body mass index (BMI) is the preferred method of assessment of growth and development. There exists a conjugation between the nutritional status of an individual and their growth including dental growth.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the calculated dental age of healthy and underweight children belonging to the age group of eight to 16 years with their chronological age.

Materials and methods

After using appropriate sampling techniques, the study included a total of 120 children. The subjects ranged in age from eight to 16 years old, which matched their chronological age. There were 62 males and 58 females. The current study classified children as underweight or normal weight based on the WHO's recommended BMI for the Asian population. The subjects' mandibular teeth were measured using an orthopantomograph (OPG) and an intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPA), and tooth calcification was graded using the Demirjian method. All collected data underwent descriptive statistical tests first, followed by the Chi-square, Z, and Pearson's correlation coefficient tests.

Results

The calculated dental age was less than the chronological age in all the groups. No statistical difference was seen in chronological age in underweight and normal subjects. However, a statistically significant difference was noted for calculated dental age in underweight and normal subjects.

Conclusion and clinical significance

Calculated dental age can be used as a standard to assess dental development, especially in underweight individuals correlating to their BMI. However, chronological age alone cannot be used for age assessment although it can be used along with calculated dental age and BMI.