Obesity and physical fitness may have some interactive effect on periodontal health status. That's the conclusion of a Japanese study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Periodontology.
Researchers found that subjects who maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis. Using body mass index and percent body fat as a measure of weight control, and maximal oxygen consumption as a measure of physical fitness, researchers compared subjects' weight and fitness variables with the results of a periodontal examination. Simply, those with the lowest BMI and highest levels of fitness had significantly lower rates of severe periodontitis.
AAP president Dr. Sam Low, chimed in for consumer press.
"Research continues to demonstrate that our overall health and oral health are connected," said Dr. Low. "Weight management and physical fitness both contribute to overall health; and now we believe staying in shape may help lower your risk of developing gum disease. Since gum disease is related to other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes," continues Dr. Low, "there is even more reason to take care of yourself through diet and exercise."
Add this to your patient-ed repertoire.