Impact of Body Mass Index on dental health status

BACKGROUND: Poor oral hygiene due to unhealthy dietary habits may cause overweight problems and systemic conditions as well as dental decay and periodontal impairment. In order to evaluate oral health status, periodontal and caries parameters were determined in differernt BMI groups. For better asessment, co-varieables that may influence periodontal health and caries were also evaluated. METHODS: Anthropometric measurements for BMI and intraoral evaluations for oral health status evaluation of 539 participants were performed as well as a written questionnaire. PPD, GI, number of missing teeth were evaluated for periodontal status and needed fillings, endodontics and extractions were evaluated for caries status. Gender, marital status, smoking and alcohol habits, education status, hypertension and DM, previous dental visit, previous scaling period and frequency of brushing are stated as co variables. RESULTS: Ageing and female gender increase susceptible for obesity. Education level decreases with increasing BMI and DM and HT rates increase in obesity individuals. Obese/ overweight have higher PPD & GI as well as increased tooth loss, therefore these groups are more in need of curettage and flap operations. CONCLUSIONS: It can be suggested periodontitis increases with BMI. Dental scores implying caries rates reveal no relations with BMI.