Oral health by obesity classification in young obese women – a cross-sectional study

To explore oral health by increasing degree of obesity and the influence of modifying factors.
A cross-sectional design was used. Swedish females (n = 118; 18–35 years) with morbid obesity were recruited from the BAriatric SUbstitution and Nutrition study (BASUN). Body mass index (BMI) was used as continuous and categorized into 35–39.9 kg/m2/40–44.9 kg/m2/≥45 kg/m2. Oral examinations assessed dental caries using the ICDAS system, periodontal status and saliva characteristics. Information on sociodemographics, oral health behaviour and symptoms was collected via a questionnaire.
Mean BMI was 42.2 kg/m3 (SD 4.0; range 35.0–63.7). Significantly higher frequencies of dentine caries (p = .001) and total caries (p = .046) were found with higher BMI with an increase in total caries by 0.59 tooth surface (p = .025) for each increasing BMI degree. There were consistent associations between obesity and dentine caries for the group with the highest BMI (≥45), adjusted RR 2.08 (95% CI 1.20–3.61), and all stages of caries, adjusted RR 1.41 (95% CI 1.02–1.96). High scores were found for dental plaque (50.2%) and gingivitis (34.5%).
Young obese women exhibited poor oral health with higher caries levels by higher BMI. Dental care should adapt the prevention efforts for obese individuals. Trial Registration: The trial was prospectively registered on March 03; 2015; NCT03152617