Obesity and its Role in the Development of Gum Disease

It is well-known that obesity is associated with many health complications, including an increased risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. In recent years, research has also shown that there’s a link between obesity and gum disease.

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease that is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease affects the bone and tissues that surround the teeth. It is also associated with many serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.


According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 67% of adults in the US are overweight or obese. Studies suggest that the obesity epidemic may go hand-in-hand with the rise of periodontal disease. Overweight individuals have double the incidence of gum disease, while obese individuals have triple the incidence. And with the increasing rate of obesity among children and adolescents, periodontal disease is likely to become more prevalent.

How Obesity Increases One’s Susceptibility to Gum Disease
 

Tests on mice carried out at Boston University demonstrated that obesity could make individuals more vulnerable to the bacteria that cause gum disease. The studies showed that obese mice had lower levels of immune systeem chemicals that the body normally releases to fight infection.


Fat cells are also thought to increase the body’s overall level of inflammation. This inflammation can weaken the immune system and decrease blood flow to the gums, both of which are factors that increase one’s susceptibility to gum disease. Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of gum disease, which means that it can cause gum disease in a patient even after the control of other risk factors, such as smoking, sugar intake, or poor oral hygiene.

An individual’s overall health is connected to their periodontal health. In a study published in the Journal of Periodontology in 2010, researchers found that subjects who were physically fit and maintained a healthy weight had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis. That’s why staying in shape and eating well is essential to lowering your risk for gum disease.

Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily (once in the morning and once before bedtime) with fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush is essential for the prevention of periodontal disease. Flossing on a daily basis to remove food particles and bacteria from between the teeth is also important.


Exercising on a regular basis and managing your weight lowers your risk for developing gum disease, in addition to improving your overall health. You should also quit smoking and eat a balanced diet of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits that’s low in fat and sodium. Additionally, avoid eating sugary foods before bedtime and in between meals and steer clear of sugary beverages and candy. Making routine visits to a periodontist for teeth cleaning and inspection is also recommended.

Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation

Woodinville periodontist Dr. Terry L. LaBell serves patients in both Woodinville and Bothell. Please call 425.402.1246 or contact our Woodinville periodontal office to set up your periodontal evaluation.
 

Added on 07/14/2011

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