Project Save A Mouth

Complication: Obesity

Symptoms

Breathlessness, increased sweating, snoring, depression, inability to cope with sudden physical activity, feeling very tired every day, back and joint pains, high cholesterol, high blood pressure

Obesity Complicates Oral Health

Multiple studies have shown that people affected by obesity tend to have more oral health problems than people who are not affected by obesity. Published findings show that these individuals are less likely to visit a dentist or only visit the dentist when they have a problem. There is a prevalence of higher tooth decay and more missing teeth with these individuals.

Obesity affects a person’s diet with what they consume and how often they are consuming it. People who are obese typically ingest higher levels of sugar and consume more foods and beverages that are nutrient-deficient. This means that your teeth are being exposed to excessive amounts of sugar and acidity and may accumulate more plaque. Poor diet will put you at high risk for tooth decay and enamel erosion. By not eating fruits and vegetables, you are lacking a sufficient amount of antioxidants that are known to stimulate reparative mechanisms in the oral cavity. This can increase your chances of developing gum disease.

More than 36.5% of adult Americans are considered to be obese. It has been suggested that obesity is second only to smoking as the strongest risk factor for inflammatory periodontal tissue destruction. An elevated body mass index (BMI) produces a higher level of inflammatory proteins, which may signal release of acute phase proteins from the liver such as C-reactive protein, a marker of whole body inflammation. Though it is not yet proven, there is a high correlation between obesity and periodontal disease.

Tips to Prevent Obesity and Stay Healthy

  • Make daily healthy food choices and focus on portion size
  • Brush your teeth twice daily and don’t forget to floss
  • Visit your dentist every six months
  • Be active and move around
  • Reduce screen time
  • Keep track of your weight, BMI, and waist circumference