Oral changes in obese children and adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To identify in the literature the oral changes present in obese children and adolescents. Methods: This is an integrative review, using articles published in the Pubmed databases, Lilacs and Scielo between the years 2018 to 2023. Articles presented in full, available in English, Portuguese and Spanish in the selected databases, with studies carried out on humans and whose sample included the age group from 10 to 19 years old. Exclusion criteria were studies carried out on animals and in laboratories, which did not present obesity, tooth decay and/or periodontal disease and/or tooth development and/or using methods other than those mentioned in the inclusion criteria. Results: The association between obesity and early dental development stands out, linking it to increased levels of IGF-1, obese children presented the presence of carious lesions and periodontal disease. Final considerations: Tooth decay is still the most prevalent oral disease in children and adolescents, as well as, there has been an increase in cases of obese children, which can compromise not only oral health but also bring other comorbidities to this population. Therefore, preventive measures involving both conditions must be encouraged so that children and adolescents can have a better quality of life.