Year : 2019

Volume : Volume 10

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Vivek Tarsariya.
VivekTarsariya@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Obesity has emerged as a major problem in India due to negative lifestyle choices. BMI used as tool of Nutritional assessment. The importance of BMI and Oral health conditions were analysed to determine if any strong correlations existed with oral lesions like RAU, Angular Cheilits and Bald Tongue. Aims & Objectives: To evaluate relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and oral lesions in Gujarat, India. Materials & Methods:  Total 936 patients were selected and their BMI (Body Mass Index) were calculated in Kg/m2 units and their oral cavity examined for lesions like Angular Cheilitis, Recurrent Apthous Ulcer, Bald Tongue. Patients were divided in different groups according to their age, education level, life-style, socioeconomic status and living area. Results: The range of the patients was 17- 83 years, 41% were females and 59% were males. In the series 12% had RAU, 24% showed bald tongue and 14% exhibited Angular Cheilitis. Life style, Educational level and socioeconomic status, resident area did not significantly affect the BMI. The RAU was seen at highest frequency in the younger age range and individual with habit had significantly less level of RAU. Bald tongue was seen more in females and in middle aged patients. Angular Cheilitis was seen more in elderly males and people with habit. Conclusion: BMI is an easily measured nutritional index, however for Nutrition measure need to utilize other indices like Skin Fold Test, MUAC(Mid Upper Arm Circumference) and ratio of waist circumference to height to do a more complete and efficient analysis. Keywords: Angular Cheilitis, Bald Tongue, BMI, Nutritional Assessment, Oral Lesions, RAU, Recurrent Apthous Ulcer.