Association Between Body Mass Index and Dental Caries Severity in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction and aims

While the association between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries in adults is debated, prior meta-analyses have primarily focused on caries prevalence using dichotomous outcomes. This study offers a novel approach by aiming to quantitatively synthesize the relationship between BMI and the burden of dental caries, using continuous data from the mean DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) and DT (decayed teeth) indices in adults.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched through March 2025 for observational studies comparing DMFT/DT scores across BMI categories in adults. Methodological quality was assessed using the AHRQ checklist. Data were pooled using random-effects models, with subgroup analyses conducted to explore het

SUBMITTER: Hua Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12666835 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature