Influence of masticatory function, dental caries and socioeconomic status on the body mass index of preschool children.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the influence of masticatory function, dental caries and socioeconomic status on the body mass index (BMI) of preschool children.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 285 children aged three to five years allocated to three groups based on the BMI: underweight, ideal weight and overweight/obesity. Socioeconomic status was determined based on the responses of parents/caregivers to a specific form.

Factors associated with masticatory performance among preschool children.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the body mass index (BMI), food consistency, and oral problems on masticatory performance among preschool children.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample composed of 279 children between 3 and 5 years of age allocated to three groups (underweight, ideal weight, and overweight) based on the BMI. Moreover, eating habits, malocclusion, breathing type, masticatory units, and untreated dental caries were investigated.