Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of gingival inflammation

Abstract

Background

Studies have identified a possible link between obesity, overweight, and gingival inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether overweight and obesity are associated with a higher prevalence of gingival bleeding among university students.

Methods

Data were collected from 2089 students in 2016 through a self-administered questionnaire. Gingival inflammation was assessed with the question, “Does your gum bleed when you brush your teeth?” Responses were classified as “yes” or “no”. Body mass index (BMI) was assessed based on self-reported weight and height, following WHO standards: Normal (<25), Overweight (25–30), and Obesity (>30). A Poisson regression model was applied to analyze the association between BMI categories and gingival bleeding prevalence.

Results

The prevalence of gingival inflammation was 50.8% and the prevalence of obesity and overweight was 8% and 23%, respectively. Obese individuals demonstrated a 32% higher prevalence of gingival bleeding compared to those with a normal BMI (PR=1.32, 95%CI [1.17–1.49]). Overweight students showed no significant association with gingival bleeding (PR=1.01, 95%CI [0.91–1.13]).

Conclusion

Obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of gingival bleeding, while overweight status showed no significant association. These results suggest that obesity, rather than overweight, is associated with increased gingival inflammation.