Is There A Link Between Obesity And Oral Health?
We see it all around us—obesity issues on the news, new diet fads making top headlines and big brand companies releasing diet versions of top-selling sodas.
While obesity is well established to be a risk factor for development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes, other researchers have specifically investigated the relationship between obesity and periodontal health. Many studies are showing that obesity is associated with greater risk of developing periodontal disease. Before reviewing these findings, let us first review how obesity is determined.
How Is Obesity Determined?
Obesity can be determined by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI) of an individual. BMI is a measure of body fat, based on the body weight and height of an adult man or woman. To calculate BMI, you need to know body weight (in kilograms) and height (in meters).
Did you also know that Obesity and Oral Health are linked?
With obesity rates on the rise, we at ALERIS SALEM DENTAL CENTER in Salem, MA wanted to share with you some links we found between obesity and oral health so that our patients can stay well informed and educated about their health.
According to some recent studies, obesity can affect a person’s oral health in two ways:
Obesity affects a person’s diet with what they consume and how often they consume it, which can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay and/or cavities, especially with children. With a greater access to food with high sugar, the risk of building plaque on your teeth is much higher.
Obesity can lead to an increased risk of gum disease. Studies have shown that the more obese a person is, the higher their chances of developing gum disease. This is also a result of a person’s diet and what they consume.
It can work the other way around too—some studies have even shown that certain bacteria in your mouth can be an indicator of whether or not you are at risk of obesity, although the details of this link are still not entirely clear.
ALERIS SALEM DENTAL CENTER in Salem, MA can assist you with making positive life choices that can keep your smile healthy. By getting your regular cleaning and checkup, experienced dentists can thoroughly examine your smile and make sure your teeth are in perfect shape.
If you have any questions about your oral health, book a consultation with our experienced dentists at ALERIS SALEM DENTAL CENTER in Salem, MA. Our experienced dentists would be happy to answer any questions you have.
