Adiposity Measurements and Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy Outcomes

Obesity is considered a risk factor for periodontitis. However, its influence on periodontal therapy has not been clearly determined. The aim of this case-control study is to evaluate the association between adiposity measurements, non-surgical periodontal treatment outcomes, and influencing factors in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Eighteen obese and 18 normal-weight (NW) patients are included in this study. The waist/hip ratio (WHR), plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the influence of sex, age, baseline percentage of PD >3 mm, WHR, and obesity on periodontal treatment outcomes.

Demographic and periodontal characteristics at baseline were similar in both groups. All periodontal parameters were improved during treatment in both groups. PD reduction and CAL gain were 0.88 and 0.84 mm in NW individuals and 0.79 and 0.68 mm in obese individuals. The difference in moderate-to-deep pocket (PD >5 mm) percentages between the baseline and 6-month examinations was 9.1% in NW individuals and 6.08% for obese individuals. Multivariable analysis showed that obesity negatively influenced changes of PD >5 mm percentages. This influence was also observed at 3 months for improving sites (PD decrease >2 mm between examinations) if WHR was also considered in the analysis.

A negative association between adiposity measurements and periodontal treatment outcomes was observed mainly for moderate-to-deep pockets. Consideration of WHR and other influencing factors amplified the negative effect of obesity on periodontal treatment outcomes.