Assessment and Management of Oral Health in Obesity

Abstract

Scientific evidence suggests an association between obesity and oral diseases including periodontal disease, dental caries, tooth erosion, xerostomia, and dentinal hypersensitivity. Optimal oral health is vital in obese patients as a functionally compromised dentition or oral discomfort has been shown to influence dietary habits. However, this essential level of oral health can be a considerable challenge due to the consequences of obesity or obesity therapies. Seemingly minor lifestyle choices and anatomical limitations in obese patients can profoundly affect oral health. Furthermore, the severity of preexisting dental problems has been shown to increase following bariatric surgery. Side effects of medications, bariatric surgery or post-operative dietary recommendations may play a role in this increase. Preventive recommendations supplemented by frequent monitoring of oral status have the potential to maximize oral function and comfort. Collaborative approaches between obesity and dental health professionals should be further investigated to increase awareness and facilitate best care.

Obesity as predictive factor of periodontal therapy clinical outcomes: A cohort study

“…It is interesting to note that mean plaque levels did not differ significantly between groups at baseline, 2 or 6 months. It has been suggested that meticulous plaque control for individuals with obesity may be an extra challenge due to access issues related to the limitations in achieving appropriate toothbrush or inter‐dental brush placement due to excess fat of the forearms, fingers, cheeks or tongue (Brennick et al, ; Suvan & D'Aiuto, ). Mean FMPS in both groups at 2 and 6 months was slightly higher than target standards to facilitate healing following non‐surgical therapy.…”

“…The study results suggest that it is important for dental practitioners to consider obesity as part of clinical practice assessment to identify individuals at risk of poorer response to periodontal therapy. Obesity is a complex disease with many implications for patient management, inferring it is critical for dental professionals to continue to increase their understanding and awareness of obesity and management of oral health in the obese patients (Suvan & D'Aiuto, ).…”

The Correlation Between Obesity and the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmft) Index

“…Obesity affects oral and dental health negatively by causing oral symptoms such as decay, tooth loss, xerostomia and periodontitis (11)(12)(13). The effects of obesity on decay, tooth loss and dry mouth are important in terms of assessing the relationship between obesity and the DMFT/dmft index, which is the index of decayed, missing and filled teeth.…”

“…Like smoking cigarettes, obesity is one of the most important risk factors for oral diseases (4). Obesity is associated with oral diseases such as periodontal disease, dental erosion, xerostomia and dentin sensitivity (11). Existing epidemiological studies show an inverse correlation between increasing BMI and current number of teeth (12).…”

The Deleterious Impacts of Bariatric Surgery on Oral Health: A Review Article

“…After bariatric surgery one of the most frequent adverse manifestations is gastroesophageal reflux and vomiting, leading to changes in pH in the oral cavity 20 .This regurgitation of gastric juice causes acidification of the mouth, leading to a decrease in pH at critical values for enamel and dentin, promoting the dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystals 21 . This loss of tooth structure may lead to exposure of the dentinal tubules causing hypersensitivity 22 .…”