The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Obesity

What is Obesity?

According to the World Health Organization, Obesity can be defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese. However, it should be noted that critics suggest that BMI alone can be misleading. Other parameters, such as those related to fat distribution, should be taken into account as they can help provide a more complete picture of an individual’s health.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease is the inflammation of your gums caused by the build-up of plaque on your teeth. There are various different stages of gum disease, starting with gingivitis, the least severe form, all the way to periodontal disease.

If untreated, periodontitis causes tooth loss.

The Study

Association Between Periodontal Disease and Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review: 

A. A.Keller et al. J. Periodontology . 01 June 2015 jop.2015.140589

B. ‘Current Oral Health Reports’ 

This study highlighted the following:

• Obesity-related inflammation may promote periodontitis by secretion of inflammatory markers by the fat tissue that may increase gingival inflammation and promote bacterial proliferation on the tooth root surface.
• Periodontitis also induces the production of pro-inflammatories that might prompt obesity and other chronic metabolic diseases.
• Overweight patients experience more severe forms of periodontal diseases.
• Obesity causes longer response times to treatment when compared to their normal-weight counterparts.
• It was also noted that periodontal treatment actually improves obesity biomarkers.

Evidence from longitudinal studies, particularly those with a follow-up ≥20 years, suggest that overweight, obesity, weight gain, and increased waistline may be risk factors for developing periodontitis or worsening with regard to periodontal measures.

The authors of the study have suggested that periodontal treatment should be a part of the overall treatment for obesity.

Despite controversies in clinical findings after periodontal therapy in obese individuals, dental professionals should be aware that obesity is a chronic metabolic disease, and that periodontal treatment should be a part of a comprehensive treatment of obesity

Obesity is a serious issue, and it’s affecting our oral health. If you’re overweight you’re more likely to experience gum disease than someone who’s healthy… and this can eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated properly!

We are experts when it comes to oral health, and understanding the different systemic conditions that can be affected by poor hygiene. However, if you are worried about your general health, we recommend speaking to your doctor.

For any questions related to your own oral hygiene, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.