Obesity Linked to Gum Disease

Studies have shown that those who are obese are more likely to be diagnosed with gum disease.  Gum disease is when the gum forms a mild case of gingivitus and the gum bleads easily.  Some also say that preventing gum disease is a good enough reason to start a healthier diet and at the same time you can save your gums.

Obesity Boosts Gum Disease Risk

SATURDAY, April 4; 8:00 PM EDT

Experts say common denominator may be inflammation, suggest heart-healthy diet

(HealthDay News) -- Obese adults are at higher risk of gum disease than are normal-weight people, a new study finds.

For many years, researchers have been trying to determine the link between gum disease and cardiovascular risk, said study author Monik Jimenez, a doctoral candidate at the Harvard School of Public Health.

To explore the possible connection between excess weight and periodontal problems, Jimenez and her colleagues analyzed data from nearly 37,000 men who participated in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. They were free of periodontal disease at the beginning of the study and were followed for up to 16 years, from 1986 to 2002. More...