Is There a Relationship Between Obesity and Periodontal Diseases?

Abstract

Obesity, a common metabolic disorder, is a condition for the development of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The present study evaluates the prevalence of periodontal diseases in Romania and their association with obesity, as a risk factor. This cross-sectional study included 170 subjects aged between 18-65, with healthy periodontal status, gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis. All subjects completed the questionnaire with independent variables: age, education, socio-economic status, oral hygiene habits, smoking habit, the presence of any systemic diseases. Periodontal examination included: plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment level. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Statistically significant correlations were found between periodontal diseases and BMI and WC: according to BMI 30.5% were obese, and 42.5% had high WC. 51.9% of obese participants had chronic periodontitis. Gingivitis and initial periodontitis do not influence BMI and WC, only the chronic periodontitis remained significantly associated with obesity. Our study suggests that there is an association between chronic periodontitis and BMI- defined obesity or WC, but further prospective studies should be carried on to establish the extent of it. The prevention and management of obesity may represent an approach to control periodontal health. Our study evaluates the prevalence of periodontal diseases in Romania and their association with obesity, as a risk factor.

The Influence of Periodontal Disease on Oral Health Quality of Life in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Cross-Sectional Observational Single-Center Study

“…Periodontal disease also represents a current oral-health problem in Romania, with a prevalence higher than expected in both young and elderly populations, reported to be between 41% and 65% [ 32 , 33 ].…”

Saliva pH and Flow Rate in Patients with Periodontal Disease and Associated Cardiovascular Disease

“…Salivary secretion has an important role in maintaining the health of the oral cavity [ 23 ] by adjusting the pH level and thereby intervening in the regulation of teeth mineralization amd gum health [ 24 ]. The saliva flow rate and saliva composition depend on various factors such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) [ 25 ], medication use [ 26 ], and oral hygiene. Any modification in saliva properties can lead to oral health problems, including caries, dental calculus, gingivitis, and periodontal disease [ 27 ].…”