Body mass index and dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review of literature published 2004 to 2011

Table 1 Criteria used for rating studies

	Sample	Attempt made to control confounds?	BMI measure	Dental caries measure
1	Stratification/cluster sampling use to obtain sample representative of countries/districts	Yes	Standardized	Dental surgery
				Mirror and probe
				Optimal lighting and dry field
				Radiographs
				Dentally qualified examiner calibration
2	Some form of cluster sampling use to obtain sample approximately representative of towns	No	Non-standardized	Dental surgery
				Mirror and probe
				Optimal lighting and dry field
				Dentally qualified examiner calibration
3	Convenience sample with some randomization			Field clinic
3	Convenience sample with some randomization			Mirror and probe calibration
4	Convenience sample without randomization			Field clinic
4	Convenience sample without randomization			Visual inspection calibration
5				Parent report

ISSN: 2046-4053