Research in to the cause of periodontal diseases (diseases of the gums) and dental issues is ongoing. Typically, a high number of different influences will play a role in the state of your teeth, and ensuring that you are checked by your dentist – such as the professionals at Coastal Dental – can be vital to staying on top of your dental health.
Of late, researchers in Sweden and Croatia have determined a link exists between two relatively unrelated ailments – gum health, and obesity. In two studies, researchers came to the realisation that the obese were somewhat more likely to develop gum diseases over time, compared to a control population.
However, this study did not control for diet. A poor diet, rich in sugars and carbohydrates, has been cited as a big reason for the increase in obesity among most western populations. But this diet is also a big reason for poorer dental health.
In this case, before claiming a smoking gun has been found, a study should confirm whether the obese members of the study were, in fact, eating a healthy diet. It is a huge assumption to assume that they were not, but it would go a long way to explaining their sub-par dental health.
As obesity rates continue to rise across Australia, the numerous health impacts of this lifestyle continue to become obvious – diabetes and heart disease, to name a few. But until we have more confirmation, we cannot add obesity to the list of dental dangers just yet. The research continues.