Anthropometric indicators and dental caries in the pediatric population of rural communities in the peruvian amazon: a cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study examines the link between body measurements and dental caries in children from rural Peruvian Amazon communities, finding no significant associations.

Contribution

The study provides insights into caries prevalence and evaluates anthropometric indicators in an under-researched Amazonian pediatric population.

Findings

Overweight/obese children had higher caries risk in permanent teeth but lower in primary teeth.

Children with low height for age had increased caries risk in both permanent and primary dentition.

No statistically significant associations were found between anthropometric indicators and dental caries.

Abstract

Dental caries and nutritional alterations are common in childhood, particularly in rural communities with limited access to health services.

To determine the association between anthropometric indicators and the presence of dental caries in children aged 5 to 11 years from selected rural communities in the Peruvian Amazon.

Cross-sectional study including 116 children from Llaylla, Pampa Hermosa, and Belén (Satipo, Junín). Body mass index for age (BMI/A), abdominal circumference for age (AC/A), and height for age (H/A) were assessed according to WHO and MINSA standards. Dental caries were evaluated using the DMFT/dmft index and the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (pufa/PUFA). Associations between anthropometric variables and dental caries were analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for age and sex, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Children with overweight/obesity had a higher risk of caries in permanent dentition (OR=3.875) and a lower risk in primary dentition (OR=0.539). Those with high or very high risk according to AC/A showed OR=0.968 in permanent dentition and OR=0.864 in primary dentition. Children with low height for age (H/A) presented OR=1.319 in permanent dentition and OR=1.757 in primary dentition. All associations were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Dental caries is highly prevalent among Amazonian children. Anthropometric indicators were not significantly associated with caries, suggesting the influence of other factors such as diet and access to dental care.