OBESITY AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE: CURRENT EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS - A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objectives: This narrative review aimed to summarize current evidence on the association between obesity and periodontal disease, with particular emphasis on periodontal status and disease severity, factors influencing this relationship, periodontal treatment outcomes, and the potential effects of weight reduction on periodontal health. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using full-text publications identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2011 and 2026 were considered. The search included terms related to obesity, overweight, periodontitis, periodontal disease, body mass index, waist circumference, adiposity, periodontal inflammation, periodontal treatment, nonsurgical periodontal therapy, weight loss, physical activity, and bariatric surgery. Original studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and relevant review articles were included. Key Findings: Current evidence generally indicates that periodontitis is more common among individuals with obesity, although results for individual clinical periodontal parameters are not fully consistent. Factors such as diabetes, smoking, oral hygiene, diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic status may influence this association. Available evidence does not consistently show poorer outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal therapy in patients with obesity. Some studies suggest that weight reduction may have beneficial effects on periodontal health, but the available evidence is still limited, and results after bariatric surgery are inconsistent. Conclusions: Obesity should be considered alongside other factors when assessing periodontal risk, rather than as a stand-alone indicator of periodontal disease. Standard periodontal treatment remains effective in patients with obesity. Further prospective and long-term studies are needed to better clarify the relationship between obesity, weight reduction, and periodontal health.