Clinical and biological indicators of dental caries and periodontal disease in adolescents with or without obesity

Objective

This study aims to assess clinical, microbiological and inflammatory parameters as indicators for caries and periodontal disease in adolescents with obesity.

Material and methods

Twenty-seven adolescents with obesity [body mass index (BMI) 37?±?4 kg/m²] and 28 controls (BMI 20?±?2 kg/m²) answered questionnaires and were investigated regarding salivary parameters, plaque pH drop after a 1-min glucose rinse, oral clinical parameters, inflammatory markers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and sub-gingival mirobiota.

Results

Compared with controls, adolescents with obesity had a lower stimulated salivary secretion rate (1.55?±?0.63 vs. 2.05?±?1.05 mL/min, p?p?p?p?p?>?0.05). No differences in sub-gingival inflammatory or microbial indicators were detected (p?>?0.01).

Conclusions

More caries and gingival inflammation were observed in adolescents with obesity. Of the indicators tested, salivary secretion rate was lower and sIgA levels were higher in the obesity group. We are unable to confirm whether differences in caries and gingival inflammation are due to systemic changes that are associated with obesity or due to possible irregular dietary/oral hygiene habits.

Clinical relevance

Customised oral health preventive programmes and appropriate collaboration with medical personnel in selecting the best diet, medication and psychological support can help improve the general well-being, including oral health, of children with obesity. This may even reduce the risk of oral diseases.