Correlation of Dental Arch and Anthropometric Measurements in Pre-school Children

Objectives: Studies of previous generations have shown little relationship between dental arch measurements and anthropometric measures in children; however, recent evidence suggests that certain dental arch measurements, particularly arch length, as well as general growth characteristics in young children, may have changed from previous generations. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between dental arch measurements in the primary dentition and measures of body size among 428 U.S. children. Methods: Children were examined at age 4-5 years, and alginate impressions were made and poured in yellow stone. At that time, standardized heights and weights were obtained. Birth weights were obtained from parents at the time each child was born. Dental arch measurements including arch length, arch width, arch depth, and tooth size were made by using digital calipers. Bivariate correlations were used to assess relationships between each dental arch measurement and child’s height, weight, body mass and birth weight. Results: Height and weight were significantly (p< 0.05) but weakly correlated (r=0.11 to 0.29) with all dental arch and tooth size measurements. Body mass index was significantly associated (r=0.11 to 0.16) with most dental arch measurements, but not tooth size measurements. Birth weight was significantly correlated with maxillary and mandibular tooth sizes, mandibular arch length (total) and arch depth. Conclusions: The findings suggest that measures of body size are related to measure of dental arch size, but not as consistently with tooth size. Further research is needed to assess secular changes in dental arch measurements as they relate to body size. (Supported by NIDCR grants R03-DE12819, R01-DE09551 and P30-DE10126)