Association between obesity and periodontal disease in children

The objective of this study was to analyse the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease in children. The null hypothesis is that obese and normal weight children show no different degree of periodontal status.

The sample for this case control study consisted of 20 males and 24 females with a mean age of 9.43±2.05 years old and mean body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) of 2.16±0.37 in the test group, and 33 males and 26 females with a mean age of 9.67±1.46 years old and BMI-SDS of 0.22±1.79 in the control group. The periodontal status was assessed using plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing (BOP) index, probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL).

The test group showed higher plaque deposits and BOP and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p< 0.05). No significant difference between the two groups was found regarding the loss of clinical attachment, though it was worse in obese children. Categorical variables described as frequency and percentage were compared using the Fisher's exact test or test chi square. Continuous variables were analysed using the Mann-Whitney test.

The study showed an association between obesity and periodontal risk indicators in children that in the long term may lead to oral conditions. The oral health of overweight/obese subjects should be more carefully supervised and checked in order to prevent oral alterations.