For Teens, Extra Weight Can Mean More Decay
March 19, 2008

by Nancy Volkers
InteliHealth News Service

INTELIHEALTH - Overweight teens are more likely to have decay between their teeth, a study says.

Researchers from a hospital in Skövde, Sweden, did the study. All 402 people in the study were 15 years old.

Teens who were overweight or obese had 60% more cavities between their teeth than those of normal weight. A normal-weight teen in the study had about three of these cavities. An overweight or obese teen had closer to five cavities.

The research was part of a long-term study that followed children from age 1 to age 15. The researchers used body mass index as a measure of overweight. They counted cavities using X-rays of each teen's mouth.

About 16 of every 100 teens in this study were overweight or obese.

The study also found that teens who ate frequent snacks as toddlers were more likely to have cavities between their teeth.

Decay is caused by bacteria. They feed on bits of food and produce acid. The acid can weaken teeth and cause decay. Eating more times a day gives the bacteria more chances to produce acid.

The researchers suggest that doctors, dentists and other care providers work together on ways to reduce obesity and cavities. They say prevention should start at an early age.

The study was published in the March 6 issue of the International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry.