Association between overweight/obesity and periodontitis in adults. A systematic review

Development and validation of a predictive model for periodontitis using NHANES 2011-2012 data

AIM

To develop and validate a predictive model for moderate-to-severe periodontitis in the adult USA population, with data from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycle.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A subset of 3017 subjects aged >30 years, with >14 teeth present and having received a periodontal examination in addition to data collected on cardio-metabolic risk measures (smoking habit, body mass index [BMI], blood pressure, total cholesterol and glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c]) were used for model development by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of moderate and severe periodontitis using CDC/AAP classification was 37.1% and 13.2%, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that HbA1c ≥5.7% was significantly associated with moderate-to-severe periodontitis (odds ratio, OR = 1.29; p < 0.01). A predictive model including age, gender, ethnicity, HbA1c and smoking habit as variables had 70.0% sensitivity and 67.6% specificity in detecting moderate-to-severe periodontitis in US adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontitis is a common disease in North American adults, and its prevalence is significantly higher in individuals with pre-diabetes or diabetes. The present study demonstrates that a model including age, gender, ethnicity, HbA1c and smoking habit could be used as a reliable screening tool for periodontitis in primary medical care settings to facilitate referral of patients at risk for periodontal examination and diagnosis.

Oral health and obesity in the SAYCARE study: reliability and internal validity of diagnostic methods

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this pilot study was to address the reliability, internal validity and viability of oral health methods used in the South American Youth/Child cARdiovascular and Environmental study.

METHODS

South American Youth/Child cARdiovascular and Environmental study was a multicentre feasibility observational study and conducted in seven South American cities. The training sessions were performed in two steps before data collection: the first verified the inter-rater reproducibility between the examiners of the six centres in relation to the gold standard, and the second one verified the inter-rater reproducibility between the examiners at each centre in relation to the main rater. The diagnostic methods used were International Caries Detection and Assessment System II and Pulpal Involvement, Ulceration, Fistula and Abscess for dental caries and Periodontal Screening and Recording and Index Plaque for periodontal disease. Anthropometric variables were measured and used to calculate the body mass index and were classified according to the cut-off points defined by the International Obesity Task Force. Cohen's kappa coefficient and proportions of agreement were calculated to report inter-rater and intra-rater reliability in the calibration process and pilot study.

RESULTS

The inter-rater weight kappa ranged from 0.78 to 0.88 and proportion of agreement from 96.07% to 98.10% for the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II and for the Periodontal Screening and Recording, 0.68 to 0.95 and 94.40% to 98.33%, respectively, in the calibration process. At the pilot study, a total of 490 children (40.8% overweight and 12.9% obese) and 364 adolescents (23.4% overweight and 4.3% obese) were examined. The prevalence of dental caries was 66% in children and 78% in adolescents, and gingival bleeding was 49% and 58.20%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated good reliability and internal validity after the examiners were trained, as well as the feasibility of using the methods chosen for this multicentre study.

Interleukin-34 Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Plasma in Healthy and Diseased Periodontal Tissue in Presence or Absence of Obesity: A Clinico-biochemical Study

Interleukin (IL)-34 has recently been identified as an alternative ligand for colonystimulating factor-1 receptor and plays an important role in osteoclastogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess and compare IL-34 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma in obese individuals in the presence or absence of periodontal disease and to determine whether they showed a correlation with disease severity. Forty patients aged between 25 and 40 yr were enrolled and categorized into 4 groups: 10 non-obese patients with healthy periodontium (Group I); 10 obese patients with healthy periodontium (Group II); 10 non-obese patients with chronic periodontitis (Group III); and 10 obese patients with chronic periodontitis (Group IV). Demographic variables such as age and body mass index score were recorded and assessed, together with clinical periodontal parameters such as the gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level scores in all groups. The GCF and plasma levels of IL-34 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that the mean IL-34 concentrations in GCF or plasma were highest in Group IV, followed by Group III, Group II, and Group I, with the difference among them being statistically significant (p<0.05). These results suggest that obese individuals with periodontitis have higher GCF and plasma IL-34 levels than non-obese individuals with healthy periodontium. This suggests IL-34 as a potential inflammatory marker of periodontal disease and obesity.

Regulation of somatostatin receptor 2 by proinflammatory, microbial and obesity-related signals in periodontal cells and tissues

Background

Periodontitis is a chronic disease characterized by a progressive and irreversible destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues, including gingiva and periodontal ligament (PDL). Microorganisms, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, evoke an inflammatory host response, which leads to increased levels of inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin (IL)-1β. Periodontitis has been linked to obesity, and adipokines have been suggested to represent a pathomechanistic link. The hormone somatostatin (SST) exerts antiproliferative, antiangiogenetic, proapoptotic, anti-nociceptive and other effects through binding to its receptors, such as SSTR2. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to examine the regulation of SSTR2 in periodontal cells and tissues under inflammatory, microbial and obesity-related conditions.

Methods

In-vitro, human PDL fibroblasts were exposed to IL-1β, F. nucleatum, leptin or visfatin. The SSTR2 regulation was assessed by real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. In-vivo, the SSTR2 expression was analyzed in gingival biopsies of periodontally diseased and healthy subjects by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the SSTR2 expression was determined in gingival biopsies of rats with ligature-induced periodontitis, rats with diet-induced obesity, and periodontally and systemically healthy control animals. For statistical analyses, the Mann-Whitney-U test and ANOVA with post-hoc tests were applied (p < 0.05).

Results

Exposure of PDL cells to IL-1β and F. nucleatum caused a significant SSTR2 upregulation by 2.6-fold and 6.4-fold, respectively. Additionally, leptin and visfatin increased significantly the SSTR2 gene expression by 3.0-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively. These stimulatory effects were also observed at protein level. SSTR2 expressions in human gingival biopsies from sites of periodontitis were significantly higher than those in healthy biopsies. Similarly, SSTR2 expression levels were significantly enhanced at periodontally-diseased sites in rat experimental periodontitis. Finally, the SSTR2 expression was significantly upregulated in gingival biopsies of obese rats as compared to normal weight control animals.

Conclusions

Our study provides original insights into the SSTR2 regulation in cells and tissues of the periodontium. We demonstrate for the first time that proinflammatory, microbial and obesity-associated molecules result in an SSTR2 upregulation. Since SST has been shown to be antiproliferative, antiangiogenetic, and proapoptotic, our study suggests that SSTR2 might play a critical role in the aetiopathogenesis of periodontitis.

Patient perceptions of healthy weight promotion in dental settings

INTRODUCTION

Excess weight is a risk factor for systemic and oral diseases. Since dental professionals are already involved in imparting overall health messages when certain conditions impact oral health, it should make sense that they also deliver related health messages such as promoting the maintenance of healthy weight for patients.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the perceptions of adult patients attending private dental clinics on healthy weight promotion by dental professionals.

METHODS

A cross-sectional multicenter survey was designed and set in four private dental clinics (London/Hampshire) between April and July 2015. All eligible patients (≥ 18 years) completed a questionnaire. Body Mass Index (BMI; kg/m²) was calculated from height and weight measurements. Questionnaire content was centred on patient perceptions of 6 domains with the primary domain as to whether patients would accept healthy weight promotion by dental professionals.

RESULTS

213 adults (aged 20-85 years) participated in this study and 58.2% were females. Although the overwhelming majority endorsed healthy weight promotion by the dental team, the overweight/obese were significantly more sensitive (BMI screening χ2 trend = 6.840, p = 0.009; healthy weight information χ2 trend = 6.231, p = 0.013). Awareness of risk of periodontitis, carcinoma and overall adverse health outcomes associated with overweight or obesity was low.

CONCLUSION

The study cohort was well primed for healthy weight advice. Routine healthy weight promotion and BMI screening should be considered in the private dental clinic settings.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This is an opportunity to collaborate with other health care professionals to support overall health monitoring/advice; a common risk factor strategy as recommended by the WHO. Future research is merited for this new initiative particularly perceptions of: dental teams' on healthy weight management, longitudinal interventions, NHS, children/parents and separate obese groups.

Periodontal, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease: Exploring the role of inflammation and mental health

Previous evidence connects periodontal disease, a modifiable condition affecting a majority of Americans, with metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on the likely mediation of these associations by immune activation and their potential interactions with mental illness. Future longitudinal, and ideally interventional studies, should focus on reciprocal interactions and cascading effects, as well as points for effective preventative and therapeutic interventions across diagnostic domains to reduce morbidity, mortality and improve quality of life.

Regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in periodontal fibroblasts and tissues by obesity-associated stimuli

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of catecholamines and has been connected to aggravated progression of periodontal disease under chronic stress. Obesity is known to increase the risk of periodontitis and adipokines have been suggested to be a pathomechanistic link. This study examines if obesity-associated stimuli have regulatory effects on TH levels in periodontal cells and tissues. Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of leptin or visfatin for up to 2 days. Untreated cells served as control. TH regulation was analyzed by real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry and ELISA. TH gene expression in periodontal tissues of normal-weight and obese rodents was determined. Examination of gingival biopsies from rats and patients with and without periodontal disease was performed by real-time PCR or immunohistochemistry. For statistics, ANOVA and post hoc tests were applied (p < 0.05). In vitro, TH gene expression and protein levels were increased by leptin and visfatin. In vivo, TH gene expression was upregulated in periodontal tissues of obese rodents as compared to normal-weight animals. Additionally, increased TH gene expression was found in rat gingival biopsies with experimental periodontitis. Human gingival biopsies from sites of periodontitis confirmed the animal data by demonstrating elevated TH levels at periodontally diseased sites. This study provides original evidence that obesity-associated stimuli induce a TH upregulation in periodontal cells and tissues. Since TH levels were also increased at periodontitis sites, our in vitro and animal findings suggest that this enzyme could represent a pathomechanism whereby obesity contributes to periodontitis.

Prevalence of risk factors for oral diseases in obese patients referred for bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a risk factor for several chronic diseases, and scientific evidence suggests an association between obesity and oral diseases. In this study, the authors estimated the prevalence of risk factors for caries, dental erosion, and periodontal disease in a group of obese patients referred for bariatric surgery.

METHODS

The authors invited obese patients who were referred for bariatric surgery at a private center for treatment of obesity to participate in this study. The patients answered a questionnaire about their sociodemographic data, general and oral health histories, dietary habits, and oral health care behavior.

RESULTS

The authors evaluated a total of 255 participants; 200 (78.4%) were women, the median (interquartile range) age was 36.0 (30.0-43.0) years, and the median (interquartile range) body mass index was 39.7 (37.6-43.5) kilograms per square meter. The authors observed a high prevalence of risk factors for dental erosion; 78.4% of the participants consumed acidic foods daily, and 92.2% consumed acidic beverages daily. With respect to risk factors for caries, 38.5% of the participants reported high sucrose intake, and 59.6% preferred sweet beverages and foods with sucrose. Almost 13% of the participants reported having or having had dental mobility, and 59.6% reported having or having had gingival bleeding, suggesting a history of periodontal disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese patients referred for bariatric surgery are exposed to risks of experiencing oral diseases and should be evaluated by a dentist.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Knowing the risk factors for oral diseases in obese patients is important in raising awareness about these risk factors, as well as to prevent complications in the oral cavity.

Melatonin expression in periodontitis and obesity: An experimental in-vivo investigation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Melatonin deficiency has been associated with obesity and systemic inflammation. This study aims to evaluate whether melatonin could interfere with the mechanisms of co-morbidity linking obesity and periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided in 4 groups: control group (Con) (fed with standard diet); high-fat diet group (HFD) (fed with a diet containing 35.2% fat); Con group with induced periodontitis (Con-Perio) and HFD group with induced periodontitis (HFD-Perio). To induce periodontitis, the method of oral gavages with Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC W83K1 and Fusobacterium nucleatum DMSZ 20482 was used. Circulating melatonin levels were analyzed by multiplex immunoassays. Periodontitis was assessed by alveolar bone loss (micro-computed tomography and histology) and by surrogate inflammatory outcomes (periodontal pocket depth, modified gingival index and plaque dental index).

RESULTS

Plasma melatonin levels were significantly decreased (P < .05) in the obese rats with periodontitis when compared with controls or with either obese or periodontitis rats. Alveolar bone loss increased 27.71% (2.28 µm) in HFD-Perio group compared with the Con group. The histological analysis showed marked periodontal tissue destruction with osteoclast activity, particularly in the HFD-Perio group. A significant negative correlation (P < .05) was found between periodontal pocket depth, modified gingival index and circulating melatonin levels.

CONCLUSION

Obese and periodontitis demonstrated significantly lower melatonin concentrations when compared with controls, but in obese rats with periodontitis these concentrations were even significantly lower when compared with either periodontitis or obese rats. These results may indicate that melatonin deficiency could be a key mechanism explaining the co-morbidity effect in the association between obesity and periodontitis.

Characterization of a diet-induced obesity rat model for periodontal research

OBJECTIVES

Obesity is associated with periodontitis, but the mechanisms underlying this association have yet to be unraveled. The present investigation was to evaluate a common rat model, in which obesity is induced by high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFSD), for its applicability in periodontal research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten male Wistar rats were fed a 3-month HFSD along with a matching control group. Afterwards, the body weight, adipocyte morphology, leptin and adiponectin levels in adipose tissue, gingiva, and serum as well as the serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose were analyzed. For statistical analyses, parametric and non-parametric tests were applied (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Body weight was significantly higher in the HFSD group after dieting as compared to control. HFSD caused a significant increase in serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and leptin levels and a significant decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, adipose tissue from HFSD rats exhibited significantly larger adipocytes, displayed a significant upregulation of leptin and, surprisingly, elevated adiponectin levels, which is in contrast to chronic obesity in humans. Although leptin and adiponectin were also observed in gingival biopsies, no obvious differences between the groups were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this rat diet-induced obesity model is characterized by changes typical of obesity, it also has limitations, which have to be considered when data, especially with regard to adipokines, are extrapolated to humans.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The rodent diet-induced obesity model may be useful for unraveling pathomechanisms underlying the association between obesity and periodontal destruction but conclusions have to be drawn with caution.

Periodontal Disease, Systemic Inflammation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Periodontal and cardiovascular disease are both major health issues. Poor oral health has long been associated with the development of systemic diseases, with the typical example being the risk of endocarditis posterior to dental procedures. Through the years, the association of periodontal disease with other non-infectious systemic diseases has been brought to attention. One of the most interesting associations is the one that exists with the development of cardiovascular disease. Many studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, suggest an important association between periodontal disease and ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease. Among the proposed mechanisms of this relationship, systemic inflammation appears to play a major role. Evidence suggests that periodontal inflammation triggers a systemic inflammatory state that, added to the damage mediated by antibodies that cross react between periodontal pathogens and components of the intimal wall, and the direct lesion of the intima by bacteria entering the circulation, promotes atheroma plaque development and progression. There are other studies that show a clear relationship between periodontal disease severity, elevations of inflammatory markers, and the presence of atherosclerosis. Here, we give a review of the available evidence supporting this association, and the possible mechanisms involved.

Is overweight/obesity a risk factor for periodontitis in young adults and adolescents?: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Obesity in young adults and adolescents is associated with chronic co-morbidities. This project investigated whether being overweight or obese is a risk factor for periodontitis in adolescents (13-17 years) and young adults (18-34 years).

METHODS

A search of 12 databases was conducted using Medical Subject Headings/Index and Emtree terms. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, articles published between 2003 and 2016 were screened that reported periodontal and anthropometric measures. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to appraise the quality of studies.

RESULTS

Of 25 eligible studies from 12 countries, 17 showed an association between obesity and periodontitis (odds ratios ranged from 1.1 to 4.5). The obesity indicators of body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio and body fat percentage were significantly associated with measures of periodontitis of bleeding on probing, plaque index, probing depths, clinical attachment loss, calculus, oral hygiene index and community periodontal index. Two prospective cohort studies in the review showed no significant association between obesity and periodontitis, but these studies had limitations of study design and used inappropriate epidemiological diagnostic measures of periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

There was evidence to suggest that obesity is associated with periodontitis in adolescents and young adults. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42016046507.

The interaction among obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and periodontitis in Vietnamese patients

To examine the relationship between obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and periodontal disease in Vietnamese patients. The sample included 712 patients aged 18 years or older who first visited the Institute of Traditional Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City. All participants completed a questionnaire and underwent anthropometric index measurements for obesity (height, weight, waist, and hip circumferences) and had their body fat percentage measured. A full periodontal examination was performed and a fasting glycemic level was determined. Occurrence and risk of periodontal outcomes were compared across 3 different measurements of obesity (body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and body fat percentage). The prevalence of periodontitis in obese group (37.0%, 36.4%, and 24.6% by body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and body fat percentage, respectively) or Type 2 diabetic group (50.7%) was significantly higher than those without these conditions (p < .05). Subjects with obesity or Type 2 diabetes had significantly greater pocket depth and clinical attachment loss than those who are not obese or diabetic (p < .001). Multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for confounding variables, showed that the likelihood (odds ratio, OR) for periodontitis was highest in the obese and Type 2 diabetic group (OR = 4.24, CI [2.29, 7.86]; OR = 4.06, CI [2.24, 7.36]; and OR = 5.44, CI [2.94, 10.03]), followed by the obese and non-Type 2 diabetic group (OR = 2.28, CI [1.05, 4.95]; OR = 2.02, CI [1.34, 3.56]), and then the nonobese and Type 2 diabetic group (OR = 2.20, CI [1.21, 3.98]; OR = 1.99, CI [0.93, 4.24] and OR = 5.22, CI [2.76, 9.84]) when obesity was defined by body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and body fat percentage, respectively, (p < .05). There was a significant association between obesity, Type 2 diabetes, or those with both systemic conditions and periodontitis in Vietnamese patients.

Obesity and orthodontic treatment: is there any direct relationship?

Obesity is a wide-spread condition directly or indirectly connected with an increase in the prevalence of a variety of human diseases. It affects over 50% of the western overall population. In 2017, a thorough analysis of 204 studies on obesity and cancer revealed that the condition increases the risk of the following types of cancer: stomach, colon, rectal, bile duct, pancreatic, esophagus, breast, endometrial, ovarian, kidney and multiple myeloma. The first study aiming at establishing a connection between obesity and the rate of induced orthodontic tooth movement was conducted by Saloom et al; however, it could not effectively nor significantly reveal any direct influence or effect. Despite being identified during the first week, differences could not be explained and treatment time remained unchanged. In spite of lack of studies in the literature on the connection between obesity and the rate of induced tooth movement, in clinical practice, courses or specialized training, we should not have protocols changed nor adopt any measures or expect significant differences between normal-weight and obese individuals. It should be emphasized that unsuccessful cases or cases of root resorption associated with treatment should not be assigned to obesity, since scientific data is insufficient to do so.

Impact of a vegan diet on the human salivary microbiota

Little is known about the effect of long-term diet patterns on the composition and functional potential of the human salivary microbiota. In the present study, we sought to contribute to the ongoing elucidation of dietary effects on the oral microbial community by examining the diversity, composition and functional potential of the salivary microbiota in 160 healthy vegans and omnivores using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We further sought to identify bacterial taxa in saliva associated with host inflammatory markers. We show that compositional differences in the salivary microbiota of vegans and omnivores is present at all taxonomic levels below phylum level and includes upper respiratory tract commensals (e.g. Neisseria subflava, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, and Rothia mucilaginosa) and species associated with periodontal disease (e.g. Campylobacter rectus and Porphyromonas endodontalis). Dietary intake of medium chain fatty acids, piscine mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietary fibre was associated with bacterial diversity, community structure, as well as relative abundance of several species-level operational taxonomic units. Analysis of imputed genomic potential revealed several metabolic pathways differentially abundant in vegans and omnivores indicating possible effects of macro- and micro-nutrient intake. We also show that certain oral bacteria are associated with the systemic inflammatory state of the host.

Body fat rather than body mass index is associated with gingivitis - A southern Brazilian cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and body fat with gingivitis in 613 adults of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

METHODS

Individuals with at least four teeth were included in this study. They were identified through a multi-stage probability sampling, considering the city distribution of sex and age. Structured interviews were conducted by trained researchers in order to collect sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral habits, and systemic impaired conditions. Visible plaque and modified gingival index were assessed by a trained and calibrated examiner. Additionally, weight, height, and body fat percentage were measured. Body fat percentage was determined by bioelectrical-impedance analysis using a portable electrical micro-current monitor. The median sites with marginal bleeding was 20%, and used as a cutoff point for gingivitis. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratio by mean Poisson regression with robust variance were calculated. Two multivariable models were performed in order to associate both independent and dependent variables.

RESULTS

In the multivariable analysis that included BMI, no significant association with gingivitis was detected. On the other hand, the multivariable model that included body fat showed that very high body fat category (PR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.49) was significantly associated with higher marginal gingival bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Very high body fat category rather than BMI was significantly associated with higher positive marginal gingival bleeding in adults.

Exercise habituation is effective for improvement of periodontal disease status: a prospective intervention study

Background and purpose

Periodontal disease is closely related to lifestyle-related diseases and obesity. It is widely known that moderate exercise habits lead to improvement in lifestyle-related diseases and obesity. However, little research has been undertaken into how exercise habits affect periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exercise habits on periodontal diseases and metabolic pathology.

Methods

We conducted a prospective intervention research for 12 weeks. The subjects were 71 obese men who participated in an exercise and/or dietary intervention program. Fifty subjects were assigned to exercise interventions (exercise intervention group) and 21 subjects were assigned to dietary interventions (dietary intervention group). This research was conducted before and after each intervention program.

Results

In the exercise intervention group, the number of teeth with a probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥4 mm significantly decreased from 14.4% to 5.6% (P<0.001), and the number of teeth with bleeding on probing (BOP) significantly decreased from 39.8% to 14.4% (P<0.001). The copy counts of Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola decreased significantly (P=0.001). A positive correlation was found between the change in the copy count of T. denticola and the number of teeth with PPD ≥4 mm (P=0.003) and the number of teeth with BOP (P=0.010). A positive correlation was also found between the change in the copy count of T. denticola and body weight (P=0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.049), and fasting insulin (P=0.041). However, in the dietary intervention group the copy count of T. denticola decreased significantly (P=0.007) and there was no correlation between the number of periodontal disease-causing bacteria and PPD and BOP.

Conclusion

Our results are the first to show that exercise might contribute to improvements in periodontal disease.

Subgingival microbial profile of obese women with periodontal disease

BACKGROUND

This study compared the composition of subgingival microbiota between obese and non-obese women with or without periodontal disease.

METHODS

Full-mouth periodontal clinical assessments were carried out in 76 obese women (17 periodontally healthy and 59 with periodontal disease), and 34 non-obese women (12 periodontally healthy, 22 with periodontal disease). Subgingival biofilm samples were individually obtained from seven sites of each individual, and the prevalence and counts of 40 bacterial taxa were determined by the checkerboard method. The frequency and counts of each species were computed for each individual and across the groups. Differences among and between groups were sought by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, respectively. Possible correlations between obesity and clinical and microbiologic parameters were tested with Spearman correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus oralis, and Capnocytophaga ochracea were found in significantly higher levels in obese compared with non-obese women (P < 0.01). In patients with periodontal health, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Leptotrichia buccalis were detected in higher mean frequency and/or counts in obese women than in non-obese women, whereas in patients with periodontal disease, obese women harbored greater levels of C. ochracea than non-obese women (P < 0.01). Moreover, obese women with periodontal disease presented significantly greater mean counts of P. gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia than non-obese women with periodontal health (P < 0.01). When the conditions obesity and periodontal disease are present at the same time, significant positive correlations were detected with C. ocharcea, P. gingivalis, S. sanguinis, and T. forsythia.

CONCLUSION

Few differences in the composition of the subgingival microbiota of obese and non-obese women with periodontal health or disease were found. However, a high prevalence of P. gingivalis in obese women with periodontal health was observed.

Correlation Between Metabolic Syndrome, Periodontitis and Reactive Oxygen Species Production. A Pilot Study

Background and Objective:

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with an increased risk of periodontitis even if the mechanism is unknown. Since both MetS and periodontitis are characterized by an alteration of inflammation status, the aim of this pilot study was to determine if differences in ROS metabolism of phagocytes isolated from (A) patients with MetS, (B) patients with both MetS and mild periodontitis, (C) healthy subjects and (D) normal weight subjects with mild periodontitis, were present.

Methods:

ROS metabolism was studied by a Chemiluminescence (CL) technique: the system was made up of luminol (100 nmol/L) and cells (1 × 10⁵) in the presence or absence of stimulus constituted by opsonized zymosan (0.5 mg). The final volume (1.0 mL) was obtained using modified KRP buffer. ROS production was measured at 25°C for 2 h, using an LB 953 luminometer (Berthold, EG & G Co, Germany). All the experiments were performed in triplicate.

Statistical Analysis:

All results are mean ± standard deviation (SD). The group of means was compared by the analysis of variance "(ANOVA)". A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Results showed that basal ROS production (both from PMNs and from PBMs) of groups A, B and D was increased with respect to that obtained from group C (p <0.05).

Conclusion:

These results are congruent with literature data, although the actual clinical relevance of the phenomenon remains to be evaluated.

Periodontitis is associated with significant hepatic fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background and aims

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a bidirectional association with metabolic syndrome. It affects up to 30% of the general population, 70% of individuals with diabetes and 90% with obesity. The main histological hallmark of progressive NAFLD is fibrosis. There is a bidirectional epidemiological link between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD, periodontitis and diabetes share common risk factors, are characterised by inflammation and associated with changes in commensal bacteria. Therefore we tested the hypothesis that periodontitis is associated with NAFLD and with significant fibrosis in two study groups.

Methods

We analyzed data from a population-based survey and a patient-based study. NHANES III participants with abdominal ultrasound and sociodemographic, clinical, and oral examination data were extracted and appropriate weighting applied. In a separate patient-based study, consenting patients with biopsy-proved NAFLD (or with liver indices too mild to justify biopsy) underwent dental examination. Basic Periodontal Examination score was recorded.

Results

In NHANES, periodontitis was significantly associated with steatosis in 8172 adults even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. However, associations were fully explained after accounting for features of metabolic syndrome. In the patient-based study, periodontitis was significantly more common in patients with biopsy-proven NASH and any fibrosis (F0-F4) than without NASH (p = 0.009). Periodontitis was more common in patients with NASH and significant fibrosis (F2-4) than mild or no fibrosis (F0-1, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Complementary evidence from an epidemiological survey and a clinical study show that NAFLD is associated with periodontitis and that the association is stronger with significant liver fibrosis.

Obesity May Be a Risk Factor for Progression of Periodontal Attachment Loss in Women

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Effect of obesity on periodontal attachment loss progression: a 5-year population-based prospective study. Gaio EJ, Haas AN, Rösing CK, Opermann RV, Albandar JM, Susin C. J Clin Periodontol 2016;43(7): 557-65.

SOURCE OF FUNDING

Foundation for Post-Graduate Education (CAPES), Brasilia, Brazil (grant #1614/99-1) Foundation for Research of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil (grant #PPSUS-0700481) TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Cohort Study.

Impact of non-surgical periodontal therapy on OHRQoL in an obese population, a randomised control trial

Background

Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is an important measure of disease and intervention outcomes. Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an inflammatory condition that is associated with obesity and adversely affects OHRQoL. Obese patients with CP incur a double burden of disease. In this article we aimed to explore the effect of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (NSPT) on OHRQoL among obese participants with chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

This was a randomised control clinical trial at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya. A total of 66 obese patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly allocated into the treatment group (n=33) who received NSPT, while the control group (n=33) received no treatment. Four participants (2 from each group) were non-contactable 12 weeks post intervention. Therefore, their data were removed from the final analysis. The protocol involved questionnaires (characteristics and OHRQoL (Oral Health Impact Profile-14; OHIP-14)) and a clinical examination.

Results

The OHIP prevalence of impact (PI), overall mean OHIP severity score (SS) and mean OHIP Extent of Impact (EI) at baseline and at the 12-week follow up were almost similar between the two groups and statistically not significant at (p=0.618), (p=0.573), and (p=0.915), respectively. However, in a within-group comparison, OHIP PI, OHIP SS, and OHIP EI showed a significant improvement for both treatment and control groups and the p values were ((0.002), (0.008) for PI), ((0.006) and (0.004) for SS) and ((0.006) and (0.002) for EI) in-treatment and control groups, respectively.

Conclusion

NSPT did not significantly affect the OHRQoL among those obese with CP. Regardless, NSPT, functional limitation and psychological discomfort domains had significantly improved.

Trial registration

(NCT02508415). Retrospectively registered on 2^nd of April 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

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Association between metabolic syndrome and gingival inflammation in obese children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Our previous work showed a positive association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in a sample of obese and non-obese children. However, whether this association persists among obese children is unknown. We aim to investigate the extent to which MetS is associated with GCF TNF-α level among obese children.

METHODOLOGY

We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from visit 1 of the QUebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth cohort. A total of 219 obese children aged 8-10 years, for whom data were available for both MetS and TNF-α, were included in our analysis. The independent variable, MetS, was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation recommendations. GCF samples were collected from the gingival sulcus using a paper strip, and the concentration of TNF-α was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analyses included descriptive statistics and sex-specific linear regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

In this sample comprising only obese children, 24 (10.9%) had MetS. Among obese boys, those with MetS had 44.9% higher GCF TNF-α (95% confidence interval: 16.5%-73.3%) compared to those without MetS. No such association was detected in obese girls.

CONCLUSION

MetS was positively associated with GCF TNF-α concentration in obese boys. These results suggest that obese boys with MetS may have a worse gingival health profile compared to their obese counterpart without MetS.

The association between oral hygiene and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Dental plaque accumulation and inadequate personal oral hygiene (OH) are known major risk factors of periodontitis. Nevertheless, the magnitude of their effects has not yet been the subject of a meta-analysis. Material and methods: The Medline and Scopus databases were searched up to May 2016. Observational studies were eligible if they assessed associations between OH and periodontitis in adult subjects. A multivariate random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the effects of fair/poor OH versus good OH on periodontitis across studies. The associations between oral care habits and periodontitis were also assessed. Results: A total of 50 studies were eligible; 15 were used for pooling the effect of fair OH versus good OH and poor OH versus good OH on periodontitis, with pooled odds ratios (ORs) of 2.04 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65–2.53] and 5.01 (95% CI: 3.40–7.39), respectively. Eleven studies examined oral care habits measured according to toothbrushing regularity and dental visit frequency; pooled ORs of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.47–0.94) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.47–0.98) were obtained, respectively. Conclusions: Fair to poor OH increases the risk of periodontitis by two- to five-fold. This risk can be reduced by regular toothbrushing and dental visits.

Comparative analysis of subgingival red complex bacteria in obese and normal weight subjects with and without chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is one of the systemic conditions which influence the onset and progression of periodontal disease and it is stated that the metabolic changes associated with obesity may contribute to alteration in subgingival microbial flora.

AIM

Our study was aimed to quantify and compare the red complex microorganisms in obese or overweight and normal weight participants with and without chronic periodontitis to identify obesity as a risk for the presence of red complex bacteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 120 participants of age between 20 and 45 years of both the sexes. According to periodontal status, the participants were categorized into four groups as follows: thirty overweight or obese individuals with generalized chronic periodontitis (Group I), thirty normal weight individuals with chronic periodontitis (Group II), thirty overweight or obese individuals with healthy periodontium (Group III), and thirty normal weight individuals with healthy periodontium (Group IV). After the assessment of periodontal parameters, subgingival plaque sample collection was carried out to quantify the red complex bacteria by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Increase in red complex bacterial count was seen in group I compared to other groups. A positive correlation of red complex bacteria with body mass index and waist circumference was seen in Group I and III.

CONCLUSION

In our study, obese individuals with periodontal disease harbored increased red complex bacteria. This states that the obesity could be a risk for the colonization of red complex microorganisms, which in turn may further lead to periodontal inflammation.

Relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular risk factors among young and middle-aged Brazilians. Cross-sectional study

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:

It has been suggested in the literature that periodontal disease (PD) is associated with cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to appraise the relationship between periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and traditional cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome) among young and middle-aged adults attended at a health promotion and check-up center in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

Cross-sectional study at the Health Promotion and Check-up Center of Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil.

METHODS:

We consecutively evaluated 539 subjects without prior cardiovascular disease who were seen within a health promotion program that included cardiovascular and dental evaluation between February and November 2012. Odds ratios (OR) with respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between PD and cardiovascular risk factors were ascertained through multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS:

In this sample of mean age 45 years (standard deviation, SD ± 8.8), which was 82% male, we found PD in 63.2% (gingivitis 50.6% and periodontitis 12.6%). Individuals with PD were older, more obese (without PD 15.2%; versus gingivitis 22.1% and periodontitis 32.4%) and more diabetic (without PD 5.1%; versus gingivitis 4.8% and periodontitis 13.2%), compared with those without PD. Among all cardiovascular risk factors evaluated, obesity was associated with periodontitis (multivariate OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.23-4.52). However, after additional adjustment for oral hygiene, this finding was no longer significant (multivariate OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.79-3.37).

CONCLUSIONS:

We did not find any significant associations between cardiovascular risk factors and periodontal disease in this sample.

Potential Role of Free Fatty Acids in the Pathogenesis of Periodontitis and Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Clinical studies have shown that metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia are associated with increased risk of oral-related diseases, such as periodontitis and Sjögren’s syndrome. Although changes in the immune system are critical in both of these metabolic disorders and oral-related diseases, the mechanism underlying the interaction between these diseases remains largely unknown. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are known to be associated with higher concentrations of free fatty acids in blood. Among free fatty acids, saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid have been demonstrated to induce inflammatory responses mainly via the innate immune systems, and to be involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes in tissues such as adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, and skeletal muscle. Here, we highlight recent advances in evidence for the potential involvement of palmitic acid in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and Sjögren’s syndrome, and discuss the possibility that improvement of the lipid profile could be a new strategy for the treatment of these diseases.

Periodontal disease and the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a spectrum of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The components of MetS include dysglycemia, visceral obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides and low levels of high-density lipoprotein) and hypertension. An association of periodontal disease and MetS has been suggested. This association is believed to be the result of systemic oxidative stress and an exuberant inflammatory response. When examined individually, the components of the MetS that are most closely related to the risk of periodontitis are dysglycemia and obesity, with lesser contributions by atherogenic dyslipidemia and hypertension. Data suggest that the odds of periodontitis increase with the number of MetS components present in an individual. The direction of the relationship between MetS and periodontal disease cannot currently be determined because the majority of studies are cross-sectional. The association between MetS and periodontitis, however, suggests that improved understanding of this association could promote interprofessional practice. Evidence suggests that periodontal therapy can reduce the levels of inflammatory mediators in serum. If this finding is confirmed, periodontal treatment could become part of therapy for MetS. Oral health providers who identify patients at risk for MetS could refer them to a medical provider, and physicians could refer patients to dentists to ensure that patients with MetS receive a dental evaluation and any necessary treatment. These clinical activities would improve both oral and general health outcomes.

Diet-Induced Overweight and Obesity and Periodontitis Risk: An Application of the Parametric G-Formula in the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort

We aimed to estimate hypothetical effects of habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, and fat and carbohydrates consumption) combined with diet-induced overweight/obesity on the risk of periodontitis. The risk of any periodontitis, moderate/severe periodontitis, and the combination of bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) was estimated using the parametric g-formula in adults aged 31 years from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort in Brazil. Individuals in this cohort have been followed since birth. Hypothetical conditions were set independently for each risk factor and in combination for the entire population. A total of 539 participants had oral examinations in 2013. The cumulative 31-year risk under no intervention was 33.3% for any periodontitis, 14.3%, for moderate/severe periodontitis, and 14.7%, for BOP and CAL. According to our statistical approach, diet-induced overweight/obesity increased the risk of all outcomes: 11% (overweight) and 22% (obesity) higher risk of periodontitis; 12% (overweight) and 27% (obesity) higher risk of moderate/severe periodontitis; 21% (overweight) and 57% (obesity) higher risk of CAL and BOP. When overweight/obesity was combined with other unhealthy habits, the risk was even greater. Our findings suggest that the combination of diet-induced obesity with other risk factors may increase the risk of periodontitis. Further research in the field is required to corroborate our study.

Salivary inflammatory markers and microbiome in normoglycemic lean and obese children compared to obese children with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

There is emerging evidence linking diabetes with periodontal disease. Diabetes is a well-recognized risk factor for periodontal disease. Conversely, pro-inflammatory molecules released by periodontally-diseased tissues may enter the circulation to induce insulin resistance. While this association has been demonstrated in adults, there is little information regarding periodontal status in obese children with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). We hypothesized that children with T2D have higher rates of gingivitis, elevated salivary inflammatory markers, and an altered salivary microbiome compared to children without T2D.

METHODS

Three pediatric cohorts ages 10-19 years were studied: lean (normal weight-C), obese (Ob), and obese with T2D (T2D). Each subject completed an oral health survey, received a clinical oral examination, and provided unstimulated saliva for measurement of inflammatory markers and microbiome analysis.

RESULTS

The diabetes group was less likely to have had a dental visit within the last six months. Body mass index (BMI) Z-scores and waist circumference/height ratios were similar between Ob and T2D cohorts. The number of carious lesions and fillings were similar for all three groups. The gingival index was greater in the T2D group compared to the Ob and C groups. Although salivary microbial diversity was minimal between groups, a few differences in bacterial genus composition were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese children with T2D show a trend toward poorer oral health compared to normal weight and obese children without T2D. This study characterizes the salivary microbiome of children with and without obesity and T2D. This study supports a modest link between T2D and periodontal inflammation in the pediatric population.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Infections in a Pregnant Adolescent Population

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to identify risk factors associated with maternal infections and placental inflammation in pregnant adolescents attending an urban adolescent maternity clinic.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional, descriptive study used survey and medical chart data collected at entry and prospectively across gestation. The prevalence of maternal infections and placental inflammation was determined and potential risk factors were identified.

SETTING

Rochester Adolescent Maternal Program (RAMP) in Rochester, NY.

PARTICIPANTS

Racially and ethnically diverse pregnant adolescents (n = 158 ≤ 18 y at entry) were recruited.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Main outcome measures were diagnosis of an infection or inflammatory condition in relation to demographic, anthropometric, dietary, socioeconomic, and health data.

RESULTS

The three most prevalent infections diagnosed in this study population were recto-vaginal colonization of group B Streptococcus (GBS) (38%), bacterial vaginosis (BV) (40%) and candida (42%). African-American teens (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.74-13.02) and those with higher pre-pregnancy BMI (ppBMI; AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.04-1.31) were more likely to test positive for BV across gestation. Older maternal age decreased the likelihood of positive tests for trichomoniasis (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26-0.92) and gonorrhea (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16-0.82). Higher mean dietary vitamin D intake (mcg/d) was associated with a lower likelihood of testing positive for recto-vaginal GBS (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77-0.98).

CONCLUSION

Addressing modifiable risk factors associated with dietary intake and pre-pregnancy weight may help reduce health disparities among pregnant minority adolescents. Additionally, targeted sexual health education may greatly benefit younger female adolescents.

Impact of Periodontitis Case Criteria: A Cross-Sectional Study of Lifestyle

BACKGROUND

Associations of risk factors/indicators with periodontitis may depend on the included case criterion. The objective of the current study is to evaluate differences in outcome by applying five periodontitis case definitions for cross-sectional associations with lifestyle factors among participants of the Danish Health Examination Survey (DANHES).

METHODS

A total of 4,402 adults aged 18 to 96 years from the general health examination of DANHES had a periodontal examination consisting of half-mouth registration at six sites per tooth including probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Periodontitis was defined according to severe periodontitis, European Workshop of Periodontology (EWP)-specific, meanCAL ≥2.55 mm, CAL-tertile, and PD-CAL definitions. Multivariable logistic regression models fitted the association of age, sex, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, educational level, alcohol consumption, body mass index, physical activity, body fat percentage, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and C-reactive protein with periodontitis.

RESULTS

Number of cases captured by the five periodontitis case definitions ranged from 337 (9.2%) to 1,136 (31.0%). A total of 224 participants were defined as periodontitis cases by all five criteria. Analyses on 3,665 participants with complete data revealed statistically significant associations of age and smoking with all periodontitis case definitions and of male sex with severe periodontitis and EWP-specific definitions. Educational level (two lowest groups) was related to three periodontitis criteria. Among obesity and hyperlipidemia measures no factors were related to periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

Regression analyses showed little difference in odds ratio across the five periodontitis case definitions; however, the level of significance did show some variation.

Impact of Obesity on Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Adolescents: A Prospective Clinical Cohort Study

Obesity is a widespread chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by an increased overall disease burden and significant association with periodontitis. The aim of this prospective clinical cohort study was to investigate the effect of obesity on orthodontic tooth movement. Fifty-five adolescent patients (27 males, 28 females) with a mean (SD) age of 15.1 (1.7) years and mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) of 30.2 (3.5) kg/m² in obese and 19.4 (2.2) kg/m² in normal-weight groups were followed from start of treatment to completion of tooth alignment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Primary outcome was time taken to complete tooth alignment, while secondary outcomes included rate of tooth movement and change in clinical parameters (plaque/gingival indices, unstimulated whole-mouth salivary flow rate, gingival crevicular fluid biomarkers). Data collection took place at baseline (start of treatment: appliance placement), 1 h and 1 wk following appliance placement, and completion of alignment. Results were analyzed by descriptive statistics followed by generalized estimating equation regression modeling. There were no significant differences between groups in time taken to achieve tooth alignment (mean [SD] 158.7 [75.3] d; P = 0.486). However, at 1 wk, initial tooth displacement was significantly increased in the obese group ( P < 0.001), and after adjusting for confounders, obese patients had a significantly higher rate of tooth movement compared with normal-weight patients (+0.017 mm/d; 95% confidence interval, 0.008-0.025; P < 0.001) over the period of alignment. Explorative analyses indicated that levels of the adipokines leptin and resistin, the inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the cytokine receptor for nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) were significantly different between obese- and normal-weight patients and associated with observed rates of tooth movement. This represents the first prospective data demonstrating a different response in obese patients compared with normal-weight patients during early orthodontic treatment. These differences in the response of periodontal tissues to orthodontic force in the presence of obesity have potential short- and long-term clinical implications.

Periodontitis and Systemic Disease: Association or Causality?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim was to assess recent evidence that diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity impact the progression of periodontitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Electronic searches using Embase, Medline, and Web of Science were carried out for epidemiological studies on humans, published between 2014 and 2016. A small number of prospective studies and systematic reviews were identified that in general provide further support for the hypothesis that diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity can adversely affect the periodontal condition.

SUMMARY

Confounding remains the most challenging issue in the interpretation of the associations found between diabetes, MetS, obesity and periodontal disease. Recent research applying a Mendelian randomisation approach concluded that the association between obesity and periodontitis is confounded and questioned a role for obesity in causation. Further studies are warranted to assess the issue of causality.

Waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio are associated with periodontal pocketing-results of the Health 2000 Survey

Background

Body mass index (BMI) has been found to associate with different parameters of chronic periodontal disease in previous studies. It is reasonable to expect that central adiposity measures, such as waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio, which indirectly takes into account visceral fat, are more accurate measures of obesity-related oral health risks than BMI. The aim of this study was to examine whether central obesity is associated with periodontal pocketing, an indication of infectious chronic periodontal disease.

Methods

The study was based on a subpopulation from the national Health 2000 Survey in Finland. It included dentate, non-diabetic, never-smoking subjects aged 30–49 (n = 1287). The outcome variable was the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets (4 mm or more) and the number of teeth with deep periodontal pockets (6 mm or more). Central obesity was measured by means of waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRR) and their 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Our main finding was that both WC and WHtR were associated with the number of teeth with deeper (4 mm or more) periodontal pockets; the PRR for the fifth quintile in WC was 1.5, CI: 1.2–1.9 and in WHtR 1.4, CI: 1.1–1.7, when compared to the lowest quintile. Corresponding figures for deep (6 mm or more) periodontal pockets were 2.3, CI: 0.9–6.1 for WC and 1.9, CI: 0.8–4.4 for WHtR. There were no essential differences in the strengths of the associations between WC and WHtR and the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets.

Conclusion

Both central adipose measures—WC and WHtR—seem to be associated with periodontal pocketing in non-diabetic, never-smoking subjects aged 30–49 years old.