Association between Body Mass Index and Permanent Teeth Eruption among 6 to 13 years old school children in Chengalpattu, India – A Cross-Sectional Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, GST Road, Chinnakolambakam, Palayanur (PO), Chengalpattu (district), 603308 Tamil Nadu, India.

2 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Karpaga Vinayaga institute of dental sciences, GST road, Chinnakolambakam, Palayanur (PO), Chengalpattu (district), 603308 Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

Background: Tooth eruption is a vital developmental marker influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including nutritional status. Body Mass Index (BMI), a proxy for nutritional health, could affect the timing of permanent teeth eruption.



Objective: To investigate the association between BMI and 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 933 children using multistage sampling. Eruption status was determined by visual inspection, and BMI was calculated using standardized anthropometric techniques. Children were categorized into BMI groups using CDC percentiles. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, chi-square tests, and linear regression were used to analyze the data; a p‑value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.



Results: A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and number of erupted teeth overall (r=0.404, p<0.001), but no significant correlation existed within individual age groups. Regression analysis showed age as a significant predictor of erupted teeth (β=0.875, p<0.001), while BMI was not significant (β=-0.002, p=0.905).



Conclusion: While there is an overall correlation between BMI and dental eruption, this association is largely mediated by age. Age is the primary determinant of permanent tooth eruption, and BMI alone may not be a reliable predictor in clinical or epidemiological settings.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Oral Health and Oral Epidemiology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 31 May 2026

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History

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

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