A Swedish study has found that underweight children are at three times greater risk of tooth decay as normal-weight children, according to a news story in the Local.
Researchers at Malmö University examined the dental health of more than 900 5-year-olds through records from child health and public dental clinics. The study used height and weight data from child healthcare authorities to calculate the children's body mass index. These were then compared with the the tooth decay data from public dental clinics.
Previous studies have shown that overweight children have an increased risk of tooth decay, but in the current study the scientists did not see the link.
The research results were surprising, Lars Matsson, professor of pedodontics at the university, told the Local. The study was initially undertaken to examine overweight children, but it was the underweight children who turned out to have the most tooth decay, the study found.
One reason why underweight children are at a high risk for tooth decay can be due to parental concerns about their child's weight development, the researchers noted. As a result, they allow their children to eat what they want, resulting in a diet that contains more sugar.
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