Obesity and its association with chronic periodontitis: A cross-sectional study

Relationship among periodontitis, obesity, and chronic diseases may be multidirectional. Inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. It has been suggested that the secretion of TNF-α by adipose tissue triggered by lipopolysaccharides from periodontal Gram-negative bacteria promotes hepatic dyslipidemia and decreases insulin sensitivity.

To study the association of obesity with the severity of periodontitis and to compare the blood glucose levels and plasma lipid profile in obese and non-obese subjects with chronic periodontitis.

A total of 84 systemically healthy subjects, aged 30-60 years, were included in the study. Periodontal status of the subjects was assessed by recording Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Gingival Index (Loe and Silness, 1963). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used as measures to assess obesity. The fasting plasma lipids level and fasting blood glucose level were measured. Data were analyzed by unpaired 't'test, Fisher's Exact test, and Chi-square test.

There was a statistically significant difference in Gingival Index and Community Periodontal Index between the obese and non-obese group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels showed significant difference between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in mean age, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and fasting blood glucose levels between the two groups.

The present study showed a positive association between obesity and chronic periodontitis. Further long-term studies involving larger sample size are required to confirm this association.