Abstract

"Introduction: It is thought that obesity is a risk factor in the development of dental decay in children. However, there is no agreement in the literature in this area. Objective: To define the prevalence of caries among lower class school children in the metropolitan region in Santiago, Chile, years 2006-2007, and observe its association with the children's nutritional status. Subjects and Methods: A random sample of children 5-15 years of age, in eight primary schools provided a stratified population of 1190 individuals. Oral examination provided a health index, nutritional status was determined using CDC 2000. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing Stata 9,0. Results: Prevalence of dental caries in the total population was 79,5%. Prevalence of decay among eutrophic, overweight and obese children was 80,0%, 78,1% y 79,9% respectively. Conclusion: This population presents a very high prevalence of dental caries, especially among a group classified a ""normal"". In this sample, there was no statistically significant association between dental decay and nutritional status."