The relationship of mediterranean diet adherence, family nutrition and physical activity practices, and BMI with oral health in children

Abstract

Lifestyle-related factors play an important role in the oral health of children. This study examined the associations between Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and oral health in a pediatric population. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 children aged 6–13 years. Compliance with the Mediterranean dietary pattern was measured using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED), whereas family-level nutrition and physical activity contexts were assessed with the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Screening Tool (FNPA). Oral health parameters, including dental caries and periodontal status, were assessed through clinical examinations. BMI-for-age z-score was calculated, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 27.0). Among the participants, 52.5% demonstrated moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and 29.4% were classified as obese. KIDMED scores were positively correlated with FNPA scores and negatively correlated with gingival index, and plaque index. FNPA scores showed negative correlations with dmft, and dmfs indices. BMI-for-age z-score was positively correlated with DMFT, DMFS, gingival index, and plaque index. In multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, BMI-for-age z-score, family nutrition and physical activity practices, and toothbrushing frequency, higher Mediterranean diet adherence remained independently associated with lower DMFT and gingival index scores. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was independently associated with more favorable oral health outcomes in children. Conversely, higher BMI-for-age z-scores were independently associated with poorer periodontal health. These findings suggest that healthy dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviors may be associated with children’s oral health. However, given the cross-sectional design, no causal inferences can be drawn. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to confirm these associations. NCT06130189. Registration date: November 13, 2023. Clinical trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. BMC Pediatrics, 2026 · DOI ↗