How Obesity Can Impact the Health of Your Teeth
How Obesity Can Impact the Health of Your Teeth
January 23, 2017 at 10:08 AM
Most people know that obesity can have adverse health effects on the circulatory system, joints, and other parts of the body. However, did you know that too much weight can also affect your teeth? We’ve taken a closer look at just how weight can impact your oral health.
How Obesity Impacts Your Health
When a person is obese, they have a higher risk of developing chronic inflammatory diseases. These diseases can include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, sleep apnea, and others. In fact, obesity is second only to tobacco in the number of deaths it causes each year in the United States. It can also increase a person’s risk of certain cancers, such as colon and breast cancer.
While many know that obesity can impact a person’s health in these ways, less know about the impacts of obesity on oral health. Overweight and obese individuals tend to have higher levels of tooth decay and more missing teeth than those who are not obese.
Impact of Obesity on Oral Health
Several studies have shown that obesity can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, more commonly known as gym disease. This is largely because fat cells produce chemical signals and hormones that actually increase inflammation throughout the body. This, in turn, can weaken the immune system and make an individual more likely to contract gum disease.
Obesity can also exacerbate existing gum disease. Because inflammation can decrease blood flow, there’s less blood flow going to the gums. This, in turn, can cause gum disease to progress more quickly. In addition, poor diet, uncontrolled heartburn, and poor oral hygiene can contribute to dental problems.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
One of the ways to prevent gum disease is by brushing and flossing properly. However, losing weight can also act as a preventative measure. If you’re interested in beginning your own weight loss journey, then contact Medical Weight Loss Solutions. We create custom plans to help fit your lifestyle and needs to allow you to lose weight.