Blog Highlights

• Obesity has been linked to periodontal disease
• People who suffer from obesity often experience a resistance to insulin
• It is important to take care of your body in order to maintain good oral health

Recent studies have shown that staying fit and keeping a healthy weight is imperative to maintaining good oral health. Obesity has been linked to periodontal disease. Patients who are overweight have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease.Based on research from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANESIII), researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo were able to conclude that obesity can lead to periodontal disease. They evaluated data collected from 12,367 participants and determined that obesity could affect people’s oral health regardless of age, ethnic background, sex, and even a person’s smoking history.According to Dr. Robert Genco, editor of the Journal of Periodontology, people who suffer from obesity often experience a resistance to insulin due to their production of cytokines. These cytokines and the resistance to insulin seem to be the connection between obesity and periodontal disease. The study showed that the stronger or higher a person’s insulin resistance was, the more likely they were to have periodontal disease and the more severe the dental condition could become.This study is just one of many that shows how the body’s different systems are connected. It is important to take care of your body in order to maintain good oral health and vice versa.

Source: National Institutes of Health

Frequently Asked Questions

How is obesity linked to periodontal disease?

Obesity is linked to periodontal disease through insulin resistance caused by cytokine production, which increases the risk and severity of periodontal disease.

Does obesity affect oral health regardless of age or smoking history?

Yes, research shows obesity can affect oral health regardless of age, ethnic background, sex, or smoking history.

Why is it important to maintain a healthy weight for oral health?

Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce insulin resistance and inflammation, which can lower the risk of developing periodontal disease.

What did the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANESIII) study find?

The NHANESIII study found that obesity increases the risk of periodontal disease based on data from over 12,000 participants.

How are the body's different systems connected in relation to oral health?

The body's systems are connected such that conditions like obesity can influence oral health through mechanisms like insulin resistance and inflammation.