Body mass index and its impact on periodontal disease: A review

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic disease with the global epidemic spread. The worldwide prevalence of obesity is a considerable source of concern given its potential impact on morbidity, mortality, and cost of health care. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized obesity as a predisposing factor to measure chronic diseases ranging from cardiovascular diseases to cancer. Once considered a problem only in wealthy countries, the WHO estimates show that overweight and obesity are now dramatically on the rise in low- and middle-income countries. The disturbing sequelae of this increased trajectory of overweight populations are the parallel increases in chronic diseases that are comorbidities of obesity. Primary health-care providers, including dental professionals, are well positioned to address this public health problem at the patient level. Dental professionals must be aware of the increasing numbers of the obese patients and of the significance of obesity as a multiple risk factor syndrome for oral and overall health. Thus, it seems that dental health is becoming a global health concern and further, multinational and cultural studies are needed. Although the relationship between obesity and periodontitis needs further investigation, dentist should counsel obese individuals regarding the possible oral complications to diminish morbidity for such individuals.