An Unexpected Connection Between Your Weight and Teeth

There are a lot of reasons to keep your figure in strict shape. The journal Oral Diseases published a study showing that people with excess weight actually have worse oral health than their slim peers. Obese people actually have a six times higher risk of serious oral health problems.

The study involved volunteers in Thailand, 70% of whom were suffering from obesity. In general, people with body mass index (BMI) of 23 or higher had more problems with teeth and more severe periodontitis (a gum infection) than people with a lower BMI. Levels of white blood cell and C-reactive protein (a sign of inflammation in the blood) were also increased in participants with excess weight.

Obese people are even more connected to bad oral health. While overweight people are 4 times more predisposed to get severe gum disease than people with normal weight, obese people are almost 6 times more prone to it. It is considered that obese people are not eager to take care of their health as thin people are. The researchers adjusted their results to take into account factors such as blood sugar, smoking, and exercise. Associations weakened somewhat but remained significant.

How excess weight influences our health?

The results of the study are not unexpected, because it is not a secret that obesity promotes inflammation and is usually associated with gum disease. Inflammation is the main cause of many diseases such as periodontal, cardiovascular diseases and many types of cancer. Obesity has a natural connection with many of these diseases so it can be considered as a risk factor. It is proven that inflammations that are connected with obesity weaken the immune system.

The connection between overweight and periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is classified as immune-mediated infectious disease. Its presence in obese people is explained by that they have a higher susceptibility to different bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease than other people. 

Studies still can’t find the relationship linking obesity and gum disease. For conditions like diabetes, the connection is actually clear. Periodontal disease affects diabetes and diabetes aggravates periodontal disease, so it can also work with being overweight. But these studies should be a red flag for those who are not afraid to gain a few more pounds. Obesity can cause a great number of different diseases, so it is better to keep track of your weight in any case.

What else are you facing with periodontal disease?

Advanced periodontal disease is also connected to many unhealthy conditions. This ailment can enhance the risk of heart disease or stroke. That’s why it is vital to take proper care of your oral health and not neglect problems with excess weight. It is also important to know that the cooperation of obesity and gum disease is responsible for the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in overweight people.

Periodontal disease can cause more than tooth loss. It can even be associated with rheumatoid arthritis and early death cases. Try to avoid such triggers as diabetes, poor nutrition, smoking, and, of course, obesity. The main idea here is that the body is a house and the mouth is a door to general human health. Take care of it and stay healthy.

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