Association between periodontal infection and obesity: results of the Health 2000 Survey

Saxlin T, Ylöstalo P, Suominen-Taipale L, Männistö S, Knuuttila M. Association between periodontal infection and obesity: results of the Health 2000 Survey. J Clin Periodontol 2011; 38: 236–242. 38: 236–242. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2010.01677.x Aim: To investigate the role of periodontal infection in obesity in an adult population. Material and methods: This study was based on a subpopulation of the Health 2000 Survey that included dentate, non-diabetic subjects, aged 30–49 years (n=2784). Obesity was measured using the body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%) and waist circumference (WC). The extent of periodontal infection was measured using the number of teeth with deepened (4 mm deep or deeper) periodontal pockets and was categorized into four categories (0, 1–3, 4–6, 7 or more). Results: The number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets was found to be associated with BMI in an exposure–response manner among the total study population. The association was found among men and women, and also among never-smokers. The number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets was also associated with BF% and WC among never-smokers. Conclusion: Periodontal infection measured by means of the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets appears to be associated with obesity. However, no inferences about causality can be made and further studies are needed to clarify the possible role of periodontal infection in obesity.