Aug 13, 2021 - minute readminutes read

Periodontitis and Obesity

Obesity has been implicated as an increased risk factor for several chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. It is also associated with periodontal disease.

Content

"Eat to live, not live to eat"

Socrates

 

Along with being associated with heart disease, diabetes, and even increased mortality, there is also a link between obesity and periodontal disease. 

Obesity is defined as having abnormal or excessive deposition of fat in the adipose tissue. Studies have shown that obesity can intensify infections such as periodontal disease. 

Firstly, abundant fat cells produce levels of cytokines which trigger a systemic inflammatory response as well as insulin resistance. As a result, the oral cavity, which is densely populated with bacteria, becomes susceptible to gum infection, which intensifies when the infected tissues produce their own cytokines.

Scientific Evidence

  • Due to an increase in oxidative stress which causes an inflammatory chain reaction that leads to periodontal disease, the consequences of obesity on general health are far-reaching
  • Younger people are particularly at risk for obesity and gum disease. Regular advice on healthy eating and regular exercise could help to prevent or halt the rate of progression of periodontal disease. 
  • Avoiding obesity by maintaining a body weight within normal ranges is important for well being, as obesity is a risk factor for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems and some types of cancer (including endometrial, breast, prostate, pancreatic, kidney and colon) 
  • Obesity is also related to oral health conditions such as dry mouth, caries, and periodontitis
  • Following a healthy diet is crucial for preventing and reducing obesity
  • Studies have proven that a lack of physical activity is a major determinant of obesity
  • The severity of periodontitis in morbidly obese patients is associated with the increase of orosomucoid levels

What can dental practitioners do?

Key obesity prevention tactics include:

  1. controlling portion size and limiting total daily calorie intake
  2. regular exercise
  3. regular intake of wholegrain and fibre
  4. increased intake of fruits and vegetables
  5. reduction of sugar, particularly through drinks
  6. limiting fast food consumption

Advice on good dietary habits that help maintain both oral and general health could be included as part of routine preventive care check-ups for all patients.

  • Obese patients undergoing periodontal therapy will benefit from being encouraged to track daily food via apps or diary
  • Obese patients should be considered high risk for periodontal disease and receive additional check-ups along with specialist referrals and dietary advice

  • Energy intake is related to body weight and obesity, highlighting the importance of lower-energy diets and regular physical activity for body weight maintenance and for preventing obesity
  • Since periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease, foods that are known inflammation fighters are important for periodontal patients to include in their diets

Related Articles

  •  Heart Disease Research has confirmed the association between periodontal disease and heart disease. Learn how dentists & oral professionals can help identify and prevent this advanced disease. 
  • Gum Disease and Hypertension Learn about the links between periodontal disease and hypertension. Studies have found these two closely related, making each other worse.
  • Nutrition The links between good nutrition and oral health has been proven extensively in clinical research. Good nutrition plays a preventive role in the development of systemic diseases and chronic inflammation, which in turn leads to improved oral health and the prevention of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss.
  • Oral Disease and Systemic Health Need more facts about the links between periodontal diseases and general health? Perio Link is an evidence based information portal for oral health professionals and pharmacists to access research updates and current knowledge on how to prevent, identify and manage chronic inflammation and related conditions.
  • Pregnancy Since the 1960s studies have been conducted to investigate the increased occurrence of gum disease and periodontal inflammation reported during pregnancy. The links between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, pre-term birth and pre-eclampsia have since been confirmed but further clinical studies are needed. In the meantime, preventive advice on diet and oral hygiene remains essential.