Impact of Bariatric Surgery and Diet Modification on Periodontal Status: A Six Month Cohort Study

Nutrition is an essential component of oral health and improper nutrition is an important aetiological factor in the development of obesity as well.

This study aimed to evaluate effect of diet modification and oral hygiene maintenance after bariatric surgery on the periodontal status of Class III and IV obese patients.

Two hundred and twenty four patients between the age ranges of 18 -64 years, from both sexes, were subjected to complete periodontal examination prior to bariatric surgery and 6 months post surgery. Patients were advised diet modification which included more fibrous food intake & decreased intake of soft and sugary food along with supragingival scaling & oral health care regime after bariatric surgery with a 6 month follow up. No periodontal surgical intervention was performed.

The patients showed a mean differences in the bleeding score, plaque and gingival index which was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). The improvement in clinical attachment level and probing pocket depth before and after surgery were found to be statistically insignificant (p>0.05).

Thus we conclude that fibrous diet along with good periodontal care can help to improve the oral hygiene status of patients undergoing bariatric surgery, even if periodontal surgical intervention is not performed resulting in freedom from periodontitis, thus improving quality of life of the patient.