What every dentist needs to know about obesity and oral health
Rodriguez, D.S.; Rechthand, M.M.; Bashirelahi, N.
General Dentistry 63(6): E16-E19
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0363-6771 PMID: 26545282 Document Number: 681919
Obesity has an adverse effect on the body as a whole and greatly increases an individual's risk for numerous diseases, including type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and cancer. In addition, the link between diabetes and periodontitis has been well documented, and possible links between obesity and other oral health problems, such as caries, are being investigated. As more has been learned about the association between periodontal disease and other inflammatory diseases, including obesity, dentists have gained greater responsibility in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Dentists should be aware of the early signs of obesity and its oral manifestations and equipped with the proper knowledge to educate their patients. This article reviews recent findings on obesity and its relationship to other diseases and in particular to oral health.