Association between Body Mass Index and Permanent Teeth Eruption Among 6 to 13 Years Old School Children in Chengalpattu, India – A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences Karpaga Vinayaga Educational Lore for Learning, GST Road, Chinna Kolambakkam-603308, Chengalpattu (Dt.), Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: Tooth eruption is a vital developmental marker influenced by various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and nutrition. Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most common indicator for nutritional status; therefore, it may be associated with the timing of permanent tooth eruption.
Objective: To investigate the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the eruption status of permanent teeth among school children aged 6–13 years in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among school children aged 6-13 years in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. Using a multistage sampling technique, 933 children participated in the study. The Permanent teeth eruption status was determined by visual inspection, and the nutritional status indicator, Body Mass Index(BMI), was calculated using standardised anthropometric techniques. Children were categorised according to BMI Groups (Underweight: < 5th percentile, Normal weight: 5th–85th percentile, Overweight: 85th–95th percentile, and Obese: > 95th percentile) using CDC percentiles. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, chi-square tests, and linear regression were used to analyse the data; a p‑value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A Significant positive correlation was observed between the Body Mass Index and the Number of overall permanent teeth erupted (r = 0.404, P < 0.001), but within individual age groups no significant correlation existed. The linear regression model showed that age was a significant predictor of permanent teeth erupted (β = 0.875, P < 0.001), while BMI was not a significant predictor (β = -0.002, P = 0.905).
Conclusion: Even though an overall correlation between the Body Mass Index and the Number of overall permanent teeth erupted was observed, this association is strongly mediated by age. So, Age remains the primary determinant of permanent tooth eruption, and BMI alone could not be considered as a predictor in clinical or epidemiological settings.

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Journal of Oral Health and Oral Epidemiology
Volume 15
Pages 1-6

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 29 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 24 May 2026

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