Background: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that impairs health. The global prevalence of obesity has been increasing significantly among all age groups. Furthermore, obesity is a comorbid factor for numerous diseases, including cardiovascular and periodontal pathologies.
Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the influence of overweight and obesity on the periodontium of young adults in relation to the functional state of the cardiovascular system.
Material and methods: The oral health status of 132 males and females aged 18-22 years was examined. They were divided into 4 groups according to their body mass index (BMI): normal weight; overweight; class I obesity; and class II obesity. A periodontal chart, the records on oral hygiene and caries, and periodontal indices were provided for each participant. The main functional parameters of the cardiovascular system were measured before and after the dental examination.
Results: Overweight or obesity did not affect the intensity of caries in young adults. The prevalence and severity of gingivitis were significantly higher in obese individuals. A moderate correlation was found between gingivitis and BMI in patients with class I and II obesity. Disturbances in the cardiovascular system function and in the autonomic nervous system tone were also diagnosed in obese patients. An impaired vascular response and significant functional changes in the cardiovascular system developed against the background of obesity. These changes show the development of subcompensation in young adults with obesity.
Conclusions: In obese individuals, significantly worse oral hygiene was observed as compared to normalBMI patients. Moreover, the clinical manifestation and intensity of gingivitis in obese individuals were high even in those with satisfactory oral hygiene. In young obese individuals, the periodontal disease manifested as gingivitis is due to significant adaptive and compensatory mechanisms.
Keywords: gingivitis; obesity; oral manifestations; periodontitis; preventive dentistry.