Childhood obesity and dental caries are two of the most serious public health challenges among the youngest patients. According to data from the World Health Organization, as many as 43% of children worldwide suffer from caries, and 20% of children aged 5–19 are overweight or obese.
- Caries and obesity share common dietary roots – primarily excessive sugar intake.
- Dentists can play a key role in health education and early intervention regarding a child's body weight.
- Most patients accept weight measurement and general health discussions in the dental office.
- Dentists’ regular contact with children presents a unique opportunity to implement interdisciplinary preventive measures.
- Involving dental teams in obesity prevention programs may increase their effectiveness.
In the United Kingdom alone, this problem is clearly visible—29.3% of five-year-olds have caries, and 21.3% of children aged 4–5 are overweight or obese. An increasing number of studies confirm that both conditions share a common denominator: poor dietary habits, especially excessive sugar consumption.
A new approach: dentists as allies in the fight against obesity
British researchers from Loughborough University argue that dental teams—especially in pediatric dentistry—can play a significant role in preventing childhood obesity.
“As a pediatric dentist, I already talk to families about the child’s general health during appointments, including their weight and lifestyle,” emphasizes Jessica Large, a doctoral candidate at the Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour and a pediatric dental resident.
“As part of our research, we’re analyzing how effective and acceptable it is to take weight measurements and refer patients to local programs that support healthy habits during routine dental visits.”
Patients accept weight measurement at the dentist’s office
Research shows that most patients support the idea of dentists measuring weight and discussing body weight during dental appointments. This demonstrates that the dental office can be a place not only for diagnosing and treating oral diseases, but also for broader health education.
Childhood obesity increases the risk of many chronic diseases
Excessive body weight at an early age significantly raises the risk of developing conditions such as:
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type 2 diabetes,
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hypertension,
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non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—both in childhood and adulthood.
Caries, which is also a result of excessive sugar consumption, leads to pain, infection, and eating difficulties, affecting both the development and quality of life of the child.
Dentists are already educating—should their role be expanded?
Despite limited access to NHS dental services, dentists still see millions of children every year. Dental teams already educate families on reducing sugar in the diet, which translates not only into fewer cases of caries but also helps prevent overweight and obesity.
“Both caries and obesity are preventable conditions. Dentists—alongside general practitioners and specialists—can play a key role in prevention efforts,” says Jessica Large.
“This is a chance to care for children’s health comprehensively—not just their teeth, but their whole bodies.”
Nowy Gabinet Stomatologiczny: Dentists in the prevention of childhood obesity
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