Liu, L., Xia, L. Y., Gao, Y. J., Dong, X. H., Gong, R. G., & Xu, J. (2023). Association between Obesity and Periodontitis in US Adults: NHANES 2011–2014. Obesity Facts. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1159/000534751

The study investigates the relationship between obesity and periodontitis in a representative US population. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014, the study analyzed 6,662 participants aged 30 years or older who underwent periodontal examinations. Obesity was assessed based on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). The results revealed a significant association between obesity and periodontitis, even after adjusting for various confounding factors. The study findings indicate a significant association between obesity, as measured by BMI and WC, and periodontitis, particularly among obese females. A key limitation of the study is its cross-sectional design, which precludes establishing a causal relationship between obesity and periodontitis. Despite this limitation, the study benefits from a large sample size, rigorous adjustment for potential confounding factors, and generalizability to the US population.

Suresh, S., Anand, A., Singh, P., Shahi, N., Sharma, S., & Jethlia, A. (2023). Comparative Assessment of the Periodontal Findings in Child Subjects With a Normal Body Mass Index and in Obese Subjects. Cureus, 15(10), e47897. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.47897

The study compared periodontal findings between children with a normal body mass index (BMI) and obese children. It conducted a comparative assessment of periodontal parameters such as probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and plaque index. Results revealed that obese children exhibited significantly worse periodontal health compared to those with a normal BMI. Specifically, obese children showed higher levels of plaque, bleeding on probing, and probing depth, indicating greater gum inflammation and disease severity. However, clinical attachment loss, a measure of periodontal tissue damage, did not significantly differ between the two groups. This suggests a potential association between obesity and poorer periodontal status in children, highlighting the importance of monitoring oral health in obese pediatric populations.

Suvan, J., D'Aiuto, F., Moles, D. R., Petrie, A., & Donos, N. (2011). Association between overweight/obesity and periodontitis in adults: A systematic review. Obesity Reviews. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2010.00808.x

The study synthesized evidence from epidemiological studies and clinical trials to investigate the relationship between overweight/obesity and periodontitis. They found that both conditions are considered chronic non-communicable diseases and have become significant health concerns globally. The study employed a broad and inclusive approach, considering all study designs except for case studies and case series. Measures of body composition included BMI, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, body fat percent, and others, while periodontitis encompassed all forms excluding gingivitis and those associated with specific syndromes or occurring in children and adolescents. Despite variations in study outcomes, the review highlighted the potential impact of obesity on periodontal health and emphasized the need for further research to clarify the relationship.