Obesity and periodontal disease: A review

Periodontal diseases usually refer to inflammatory disorders that are caused by pathogenic bacteria in the subgingival biofilm in association with impaired host immune response and connective tissue breakdown. The bacterial challenge exacerbates the cytokine production by the gingival epithelium, resulting in an uncontrolled inflammation that leads to tooth loss in adults from different populations. The prevalence of these diseases increases with aging, longer retention of teeth, and increased incidence of obesity and diabetes among the population. The prevalence demonstrates an increasing trend and a correlation with numerous comorbidities. Hence, as a family physician one should have the in-depth knowledge regarding the relationship between obesity and periodontitis to create awareness among people to provide primary care. Thus, it is relevant to develop new methods capable of detecting these diseases in the early stages and following up on their progression.