Relationship between salivary flow rate and dental caries in normal and underweight children: a comparative cross-sectional study from district Tharparkar.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

This study aims to explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI), salivary flow rate, and dental caries among children in Tharparkar.

Materials and methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months involving 179 children aged 8-12 years from Tharparkar and Hyderabad. Weight and height were recorded, BMI was computed using height and weight, and salivary flow rate was measured using the spitting method. Dental caries were assessed using the DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and independent t-tests were performed to assess group differences.

Results

Underweight children (60.9% male, mean BMI 15.46 ± 2.45 kg/m²) showed higher mean DMFT scores for deciduous te

SUBMITTER: Dall AQK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11910957 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature