Obese children and traumatic dental injuries

It is a know fact that obesity is on the rise in North America especially amoung children.  Studies have shown that certain diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovasculr disese, diabetes and certain types of cancersare higher in overweight subjects.  Obesity may also affect the general oral health.  Statistically there has been found an association with increase dental caries,  periodontal disease, oral cancer and even possibilty traumatic dental injuries due to obesity. 

Studies have shown that traumatic dental injuries was statistically more prevalent among overweight subjects (28.6%) than lean children (25.5%)

Obese children are prone to falling and as such have frequent bone fractures.  It has been found that excess weight is directly associated for instable posture and imbalanced gait.  This is because of the displacement of the center of mass and the limitations of the joints during function in the obese subjects. 

According to a meta-analysis of observational studies (August 2015), an article published in Dental Traumatology, the risk of traumatic dental injuries in overweight children, which can involve fractured teeth and jaws, is approximately 22% higher than among lean children. 

JCDA Oasis August 17th, 2015