Bariatric surgery and periodontal status: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Objective

To review and analyze periodontal clinical parameters after bariatric surgery.

Background

Periodontitis, a dysbiotic inflammatory disease, has been associated with obesity. The purpose of bariatric surgery is to reduce weight and systemic inflammation. Consequently, it is of interest to systematically review the impact of bariatric surgery on periodontal status.

Methods

Electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Thesis database, and the Cochrane Library databases. Gray literature and the main journals of both specialties were also reviewed. Only cross-sectional and prospective studies focusing on bleeding on probing, pocket depth, and clinical attachment levels were selected.

Results

After a thorough screening of 651 studies, 10 studies were selected by 2 independent reviewers. Four (n?=?250) and 3 studies (n?=?191) were included in the meta-analysis at 6- and 12-month follow-up, respectively. At 6-month follow-up increased periodontal inflammation (P?=?.03) and periodontal destruction were observed. However, 12 months after baseline, the difference between bariatric patients and control was no longer significant.

Conclusion

The present systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that deterioration of periodontal status may be observed in the first 6 months after surgery. Consequently, periodontal screening and management of the patient's request for bariatric surgery should be recommended to avoid further deterioration of periodontal status after bariatric surgery.