Evaluation of the Relationship Between Oral Health and Body Mass Index.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study is to evaluate oral health comparatively in four different groups separated according to body mass index (BMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 352 patients who applied for different dental reasons were divided into groups according to BMI and examined radiologically. The incidence of oral health parameters (dental caries, alveolar bone loss, tooth loss, and periapical lesion) was evaluated.

RESULTS: While there was a significant difference between the groups in terms of caries, alveolar bone loss, and tooth loss (P < .05), there was no difference in the incidence of periapical lesions (P > .05).

CONCLUSION: Obese individuals have a higher prevalence of alveolar bone loss, caries, and tooth loss. These results show that an above-normal BMI is an important factor that can negatively affect oral health.