Being Overweight Linked To Higher Risk Of Gum Disease

We all know that obesity is a major health concern for us Americans, but did you also know that obesity is now being linked to a higher likelihood of having gum disease!?  An increased risk for gum disease is added to the list of risk factors the obese have to face, such as developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer.

This new information was published in the January/February 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry.   The obese produce excessive cytokines, which are proteins with inflammatory properties.  These cytokines may directly injure the gums or reduce blood flow to the gum tissues, thus promoting the development of gum disease.

More than half of our population age 30 and older is affected by gum disease, which is a chronic inflammatory infection that affects the gums and bone that support teeth.  Continued research will explore the relationship between obesity and gum disease.  It’s interesting that there is a great percentage of the population that suffers with both gum disease and obesity.

The best way to reduce the risk of developing gum disease is to have effective daily personal dental homecare that includes brushing, flossing, rinsing, and appropriate professional cleanings.

For more information about gum disease and other dental topics visit www.DrTav.com