Studies on the relationship between obesity and dental health revealed that the obese are 5.9 times more prone to develop severe gum disease than normal people –Periodontitis.
It has been suggested within the literature that obesity may alter body homeostasis, which may increase Dental caries.
Obesity contributing to dental problems: It is a very well-known fact that obesity is a state of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance seen in Type 2 diabetics. This could be the reason for linking obesity with periodontitis which itself is an immune-mediated infectious disease.
Obese people are tempted to adopt a very poor dietary plan which means snatching a bite of sweetened junk food at any time when the body demands for it, selecting unhealthy foods that are rich in carbohydrates and sugar, craving for fermented sugars, fried foods, carcinogenic diets and finally leading to a sedentary lifestyle.
These food particles combine with the germs existing in the mouth and attack the tooth’s enamel, leading to cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and the building up of plaque around the teeth. One of the studies suggested that the Homeostasis of the body may be altered with obesity leading to an increase in dental caries.
Studies on the relationship between obesity and dental health revealed that the obese are 5.9 times more prone to develop severe gum disease than normal people.
The study further revealed that in the obese, there was a lower stimulated secretion of saliva, higher concentrations of or secretory immunoglobulin A( slgA ). There were reports showing different oral microbial profiles in obese persons. There were also suggestions by some authors that obesity may tend to alter the concentrations of sialic acid, protein, and phosphate and may also influence the peroxidase activity in stimulated saliva, which has a role in the promotion of dental caries.
These systemic changes, unhealthy diet, and poor oral hygiene habits may contribute to the association between obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
Diabetes contributing to dental problems: Diabetic people usually develop dryness in the mouth leading to infection and severe gum diseases that include gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath, and many more dental problems
Prevention: Always adopt good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, especially before going to bed and using dental floss when necessary, helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Visit the dentist for examination of your teeth, advice, and professional cleaning. This will help to maintain good dental health for a lifetime.
References
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2019/9105759/
