Obesity

 

The Oral-Systemic Health Link: Obesity and Periodontal Disease


Obesity is defined as a complicated disease related to excessive amounts of body fat (Mayo Clinic, N.D). There are many factors that can contribute to obesity (Mayo Clinic, N.D). Research has shown that the oral systemic link between periodontal disease and obesity is a recently discovered health factor. Although more research is needed to prove the direct link between obesity and periodontal health, the prevalence of those with periodontal disease is suggested to be greater in those who are obese (Deshpande & Amrutiya, 2017). 


An observational study was conducted to determine if the theory of the link between obesity and periodontal disease is accurate. The results had shown that those who fell under the obese catagory had higher probing depths, more signs of gingival recession and a higher gingival index count (Deshpande & Amrutiya, 2017). Therefore, the obese participants had shown more signs of periodontal disease than non-obese participants (Deshpande & Amrutiya, 2017). Those with less teeth in their dentition may struggle to eat healthy foods, therefore potentially also making these people more prone to obesity due to a limited diet (Ward, 2012). 


This can be prevented at an early stage of obesity. Exercising daily and having a balanced diet is a great first step in the right direction (Ward, 2012). In order to keep track of this, you can plan meals and do meal preparation ahead of time to make the diet transition smoother (Ward, 2012). Weight loss programs and exercise classes can also be a useful resource and a great opportunity to find others who have similar goals to you (Ward, 2012). 


Another prevention method that is important to not lose sight of is attending regular dental appointments to maintain your periodontal health and seek advice from dental professionals (Ward, 2012). Going every 4-6 months for a dental cleaning and once a year for a dental exam can help improve gingival health and oral health as a whole (Ward, 2012). Dentists and dental hygienists can also provide you with more evidence based research on how your oral health is affecting your systemic health (Ward, 2012). 


By Hannah Fraser



References 

           

            Mayo Clinic. (N.D). Obesity - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742#:~:text=Obesity%20is%20a%20complex%20disease,blood%20pressure%20and%20certain%20cancers

 

N. Deshpande & M.R. Amrutiya. (June, 2017). Obesity and Oral Health - Is there a link? An observational study. PubMed. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5803880/ 

 

            W.E. Ward. (October 1, 2012). Obesity and Periodontal Health: What’s the link? Should I be concerned?. OralHealth. Retrieved from: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/obesity-and-periodontal-health-whats-the-link-should-i-be-concerned/

 

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