Obesity, Bone Loss, and Periodontitis: The Interlink

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Metabolic Disorders
• Immunology

Background:

• Obesity and periodontitis are prevalent global health issues with significant economic and societal impact.
• Established links exist between obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), and periodontitis, with osteoporosis as a potential long-term complication of obesity.
• Bone metabolic disorders in the oral cavity manifest as increased risks for periodontitis and alveolar bone loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review clinical periodontium changes in obese individuals, including alveolar bone loss.
• To examine laboratory-based reports on the biological interlinks between obesity and bone remodeling.
• To discuss potential mechanisms of obesity-enhanced alveolar bone loss and management strategies for periodontal disease in obese patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of clinical studies on periodontal changes in obese individuals.
• Review of laboratory-based research on obesity-associated bone remodeling mechanisms.
• Analysis of systemic and periodontal factors contributing to alveolar bone loss.

Main Results:

• Obesity is associated with clinical periodontium changes, including alveolar bone loss.
• Biological interlinks such as hyperinflammation, immune dysregulation, and microbial dysbiosis are implicated in obesity-associated bone remodeling.
• Animal models show obesity-driven alveolar bone loss and mandibular osteoporosis even without periodontopathogens.

Conclusions:

• Obesity significantly impacts periodontal health, increasing the risk of periodontitis and alveolar bone loss.
• Understanding the mechanisms of hyperinflammation, immune dysregulation, and microbial dysbiosis is crucial for addressing obesity-related periodontal issues.
• Clinical management of periodontal disease in obese patients requires consideration of both systemic and periodontal factors.