Study explores relationship between obesity and gum disease

A new study explores how the most common non-communicable diseases, Obesity and gum (periodontal) might be related to each other. It also highlights the effect of obesity on non-surgical periodontal care. The study was published in 'British Dental Journal.' The connection between obesity and gum disease isn't as simple as cause-and-effect, said Andres Pinto, co-author of the study at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. Instead, the relationship centers on what both diseases have in common: inflammation. Examining a large number of existing studies, researchers found that data showing increased body mass index, waist circumference and percentage of body fat to be associated with an increased risk to develop gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Most studies analysed data from population subsets at one point in time, as opposed to studying the same population over a longer period. They concluded that changes in body chemistry affect metabolism, which, in turn, causes inflammation--something present in both maladies.