How Obesity Relates to Gum Disease

Recent research shows obesity can lead to gum disease. Most people recognize that being substantially overweight is unhealthy. The medical field has warned for decades that obesity affects your entire bodily health. From your heart and blood pressure to blood sugar and osteoarthritis, being extremely overweight is hard on the body.

Are you making New Year’s resolutions? If weight loss is on your list, there’s good news. You may not realize this. But, by losing weight, you can also improve your dental health.

How can obesity lead to gum disease?

Obesity can cause chronic inflammation. Furthermore, inflammation can lead to gum disease.

Inflammation triggers the development of cells that break down bone tissue. Science Daily reports that obesity raises the number of immune cells that increase during illness. These cells relate to the body’s immune function and originate in the bone marrow. However, they also increase inflammation.

One major symptom of gum disease is bone loss. Bone loss can eventually lead to losing teeth.

Recent Study Results

The study involved two groups of mice that received different diets. One group ate a low-fat diet and derived 10% of their energy from fat. The other group had a high-fat diet and derived 45% of their energy from fat.

The high-fat group developed obesity, higher inflammation and an increase of immune cells in their bone marrow and their spleen. As a result, they had much greater bone loss in the bone that held their teeth in place.

How prevalent is gum disease?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), gum disease affects over 40% of individuals who are 30 years old and older.

Do you have questions about how to have healthy teeth and gums?

We’re always glad to discuss your questions and concerns about dental care. To make an appointment, call Hutto Hippo Family Dental at (512) 806-7740.