Association between oral health and nutritional status in Guarani indigenous people from Florianopolis region.

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Background: The literature reports an interface between nutritional status and oral health status, as there is a close relationship between oral health, chewing function and dietary intake. Studies on the health of indigenous peoples suggest the need to prioritize effective actions aimed at health promotion. Interactions with non-indigenous society in the quest for friendly relationships cause changes in subsistence, eating habits and physical activity, leading to a process of epidemiological transition and inequalities in health. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between oral health status and nutritional status. Subjects and methods: The cross-section study was carried out with Guarani indigenous people from Florianopolis region. The sample consisted of 251 children and adolescents and 123 adults. The aassessment of nutritional status in Indigenous population was the according to World Health Organization (1995). The classification of nutritional status was performed according to criteria adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2006, 2007), based on anthropometric indices, height-for-age (H/A), weight-for-age (W/I) and Body Mass Index (BMI) for age. Assessment of oral health status in Indigenous population was assessed by a single calibrated operator under natural light. The dmft index (decayed, missing or filled primary teeth) and DMFT index (permanent teeth decayed, missing and filled) were determined using the codes and criteria established by the World Health Organization (1997). The oral health status was classified in relation to the risk of dental caries, of periodontal disease, and changes in soft tissues employing the codes and criteria recognized by the Office for Programmes and Development of Health Policies (CODDEPS, 2006). Outcome: When the nutritional status and oral health were related, the unsatisfactory def-t/DMF-T, the presence of teeth with caries and unfilled, as well as the moderate and high risk of development of caries was prevalent in the diagnosis of eutrophic through the body mass index and when the waist circumference was considered unaltered. On the other hand, it was observed that altered calf circumference that is, the indication of reduced lean mass, was prevalent for these same indicators. It is concluded that a relationship exists between oral condition and nutritional status.

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