Burden of oral diseases predicts development of excess weight in early adolescence: a 2-year longitudinal study

• DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05663-8
• Publication Date: 2024-07-03T18:02:22Z
• Authors: Sohvi Lommi; Jukka Leinonen; Pirkko Pussinen; Jussi Furuholm; Kaija-Leena Kolho; Heli Viljakainen
• Keywords: Longitudinal Study

Abstract Dental caries, gingivitis, and excess weight are highly prevalent, interconnected chronic conditions. The association of oral health with the development adiposity among children is sparsely addressed. We examined to central obesity in early adolescence during a 2-year follow-up period. This prospective study was conducted 2702 aged 9–12 years at baseline from Finnish Health Teens study. Their followed up for 2 years. Body mass index age- sex-specific cut-offs waist–height ratio indicated status obesity. Oral data (caries experience gingivitis/calculus) were collected outpatient records public dental services. Having both caries gingivitis/calculus considered burden diseases. Of sample, 74% caries-free but 70% exhibited gingivitis and/or calculus, 20% had gingivitis/calculus. During period, 5.3% ( n = 124) 4.7% 118) became overweight/obese or centrally obese, respectively. associated fully adjusted model (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.03–2.97) not Caries alone did associate development. Conclusion : diseases without could imply future gain; thus, normal-weight individuals be targeted preventive measures. Our findings warrant further research explore whether merely share risk factors if their relationship causal nature. What Known: • Association known exist cross-sectionally longitudinally adolescents. New: Burden diseases, that is, having gingivitis/calculus, becoming overweight obese later adolescence. Normal-weight measures against gain.