Obesity and Dental Disease

Course Description:

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk to a patient’s health. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, gallbladder disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes (adult-onset diabetes characterized by high blood glucose). There is a clear connection between obesity and oral health in the fact that food products with high sugar content have the potential to cause both obesity and dental cavities. Further analysis is needed to explore whether consumption of juice and sweets account for the excessive calorie intake and links high BMI and dental decay. An office-based educational approach to diet, nutrition and physical activity should be designed to improve health-related behaviors and health outcomes. These programs can include one or more approaches to support behavioral change including informational and educational, behavioral and social, policy and environmental strategies.

Course Objectives:

1. Be able to identify risk factors and trends associated in relation to obesity in the United States.

2.Discover the relationship between obesity and dental caries and periodontal disease. 

3. Learn common medical conditions associated with obesity that put patients at risk.  

4. Identify what preventative measures are available to the obese patient to help manage their overall oral and systemic health.

Authors: Sally Plum, BSN and Wendy Paquette, LPN, BS