Original Research

Correlation between Anthropometric Indices, Severe Early Childhood Caries, and Salivary Biomarkers: An In-Vivo Study

Year: 2025
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 31–40

Authors

Adharsh KM¹, Navneet Agrawal², Priyanka Airen³, Gaurav Mishra⁴, Ganga Dubey⁵

Corresponding Author

Dr. Adharsh KM
Email: dradharshkm@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) negatively impacts oral and general health in children, potentially influencing nutritional status and salivary protective factors. The interplay between anthropometric indicators and salivary parameters in S-ECC requires further exploration to inform preventive strategies.

Aim: To assess the correlation between anthropometric indices and salivary parameters in 3-6-year-old children with and without S-ECC.

Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 children (100 caries free, 100 S-ECC). Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, MUAC, waist circumference) and salivary parameters (flow rate, pH, buffering capacity) were recorded using standardized methods. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: The S-ECC group showed significantly lower BMI (14.2 ± 1.4 kg/m² vs. 15.5 ± 1.3 kg/m²) and salivary flow rate (0.31 ± 0.08 mL/min vs. 0.45 ± 0.10 mL/min) (p < 0.001). Salivary pH and buffering capacity were also reduced (p < 0.01). A positive correlation was seen between BMI and salivary flow rate.

Conclusion: Children with S-ECC demonstrate compromised nutritional indicators and reduced salivary protective factors, underscoring the need for integrated caries prevention programs addressing dietary, anthropometric, and salivary health in preschool-aged children.

Keywords

BMI, Salivary Flow Rate, ECC

How to Cite This Article

Adharsh et al, Correlation between Anthropometric Indices, Severe Early Childhood Caries, and Salivary Biomarkers: An In-Vivo Study. Int J Pedo Rehab 2025; 10(1):31-40. https://doi.org/10.56501/intjpedorehab.v10i1.1263