IMPACT OF EARLY ORTHODONTIC INTERVENTION ON DIETARY CHOICES, BMI, AND ORAL HEALTH IN CHILDREN
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Keywords
Over-the-counter medications, KAP study, urban health, self-medication, drug safety, public awareness
Abstract
Introduction: Malocclusion is a common pediatric oral health issue affecting facial aesthetics, dental alignment, and masticatory function. Misaligned teeth can impair chewing efficiency, limit dietary variety, and contribute to plaque accumulation, caries, and gingival inflammation. Early orthodontic intervention aims to correct developing malocclusions, improve oral function, and potentially influence nutritional habits and body mass index (BMI). In Bangladesh, studies exploring the impact of early orthodontic treatment on children’s dietary behavior, BMI, and oral health are limited. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Sodesh Hospital Pvt. Ltd, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, from January to December 2024. Ninety-two children aged 6–12 years (51 females, 41 males) presenting with dental complaints were included. Oral and periodontal examinations were performed to record erupting teeth, dental lesions, plaque, calculus, and extractions. BMI was calculated, and parents completed structured questionnaires on oral hygiene practices and dietary habits. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Spearman correlations to assess relationships among BMI, age, tooth eruption, dental lesions, and dietary patterns. Results: Participants had a mean age of 9.33 ± 3.52 years and mean BMI of 18.25 ± 3.34. Higher BMI was significantly associated with age (ρ = 0.69, p < 0.0001), calculus presence (ρ = 0.40, p = 0.0002), snack consumption, and accelerated tooth eruption (ρ = 0.65, p = 0.043). Food intake in the later part of the day correlated with dental lesions (p = 0.005). No significant correlations were observed between BMI and systemic conditions or between general health status and dental lesions. Conclusion: Early orthodontic assessment reveals a significant relationship between BMI, dietary habits, and tooth eruption in children. Obesity is associated with accelerated dental development and may influence oral health outcomes, including lesion prevalence. These findings highlight the importance of integrating nutritional and oral health monitoring in pediatric orthodontic care
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Nabila Ishrat
Orthodontist, Department of Dentistry, Sodesh Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Umar Saiyeef
Consultant Dental, Dentistry, Sodesh hospital Pvt. Ltd., Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Niaz Rahman
Consultant and chief, Advanced Dental solution, Technical More Maskanda, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Musannah Ashfaq
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Sina Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.