Relationship Between Obesity and Periodontal Diseases-A Short Study

Background: Obesity has been described as one of the most neglected public health problems, affecting both developed and developing countries. The prevalence of obesity has increased substantially in the last few decades. Obesity has been suggested to be a risk factor for periodontitis.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess any possible relationship between obesity and periodontal diseases in patients attending Saveetha Dental College.

Materials and Method: This study was conducted on patients in Saveetha Dental College, Chennai. Both male and female patients were included in the study. The body mass index was calculated for each patient along with the Russell’s periodontal index. Statistical Analysis was done.

Results: More than half of the study participants were obese. An association between obesity and periodontal disease was found. The obese subjects were found to have destructive periodontal disease.

Conclusion: It was found from the study that there exists a relation between obesity and periodontal disease. It is the duty of the dental professionals to create awareness among the patients about the relationship of oral health and general health.