Aim: The following study aims to describe the relationship of dental caries with the body mass index, perceived stress, and emotional eating among 11 to 13-year-old schoolchildren.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study on 400 school-going children was conducted in which two questionnaires consisting of Perceived Stress Scale and Emotional Eating were collected from the children. Dental caries was examined using the dft/DMFT Index. The body mass index was calculated using the value obtained from body weight and height (kg/m2) of each child.
Results: Body mass index score was not found to be significantly different among subjects with and without caries in primary and permanent teeth. It was found that Perceived Stress Scale score was found to be significantly more among subjects without caries in permanent dentition as compared to those who had caries. EES score was found to be significantly high among caries-free subjects as compared to those who were having mean dmft score > 0.
Conclusion: Dental caries is independent of the body mass index whereas Perceived Stress Scale and Emotional Eating score was found to be more in children without caries as compared to those whose mean dmft score > 0.
Clinical significance: This study was conducted to evaluate if perceived stress, body mass index, and emotional eating have an effect on progression of dental caries. This study helps parents and pedodontists for better knowledge about a child's oral health and overall growth.
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