The Effect of Nutritional Status on Arch Width and Length of Permanent Teeth among Fifteen Years Old Students

Background At different stages of life, malnutrition could adversely affect various aspects of growth. Malnutrition may associated with decrease jaw height, as well as the reduced of the maxilla and mandible width. The aim of this study is to estimate the effect of nutritional status on arch width and length dimension measurements among students aged 15 years old. Material and methods the sample of the present study include 167 students aged 15 years (83 malnourished and 84 wellnourished). The assessment of nutritional status was done by using Body Mass Index (BMI). Odontometeric measurements including two different orientations. For both upper and lower study models, photographs were taken using special photographic apparatus, and the data were then analyzed using special computer software. For permanent dentitions, nine linear measurements were utilized for each dental arch including width and length measurements were utilized. Results As for permanent dentitions, all means value of maxillary and mandible arch width, length and segments were lower among malnourished group than well-nourished group with statistically significant except for permanent maxillary anterior arch length, incisor-canine, mandibular inter-first premolar, anterior arch length. Conclusion Malnutrition effect on minimize the odontometric measurements (dental arch width, dental arch length) among adolescents aged 15 years old.