Exploring the association between dental caries, obesity and sensory characteristics in students living in southern Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To investigate possible associations between dental caries, obesity, sweet taste preference and sensitivity to bitter taste in children and adolescents. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 462 schoolchildren aged 6-15 years enrolled in public schools of Pato Branco, PR. Their oral conditions were examined by adopting the criteria of the World Health Organization. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric criteria, adopting the reference standards of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. To determine the taste sensitivity, sweet taste preference and sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) tests were applied. In the statistical analysis of data, Chi-square, Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used, adopting significance level of 5%. Results: Low dental caries severity levels were observed among students. Overweight was diagnosed in 24.4% of students. The lowest DMFT index was recorded among obese individuals (p <0.05). High levels of sweet taste preference were identified. No statistically significant association was detected between the sensory characteristics assessed and the occurrence of dental caries and obesity in the study sample. Conclusion: The high levels of sweet taste preference, as well as the dental caries and overweight rates observed, although with no statistically significant associations, highlight the need for intersectoral interventions with a focus on healthy eating habits in order to reduce the risk and incidence of chronic diseases in this population.