We see it all around us—obesity issues on the news, new diet fads making top headlines and big brand companies releasing diet versions of top-selling sodas. According to Statistics Canada’s latest study, 18.3% of Canadians over 18 years of age are obese and 31% of children are overweight or obese. With easy access to high caloric foods, it’s apparent that we live in a world where having a healthy diet is not an easy task.
Did you also know that obesity and oral health are linked? With obesity rates on the rise, we at 123Dentist wanted to share with you some links we found between obesity and oral health so that our patients can stay well informed and educated about their health.
According to some recent studies, obesity can affect a person’s oral health in two ways:
- Obesity affects a person’s diet with what they consume and how often they consume it, which can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay and/or cavities, especially with children— With a greater access to food with high sugar, the risk of building plaque on your teeth is much higher. We also have this article for more information on how you can decrease your chances of tooth decay.
- Obesity can lead to an increased risk of gum disease. Studies have shown that the more obese a person is, the higher their chances of developing gum disease. This is also a result of a person’s diet and what they consume.
It can work the other way around too—some studies have even shown that certain bacteria in your mouth can be an indicator of whether or not you are at risk of obesity, although the details of this link are still not entirely clear.
123Dentist.com Can Help!
Your 123Dentist Community Professional can assist you with making positive life choices that can keep your smile healthy. By getting your regular cleaning and checkup, your dentist can thoroughly examine your smile and make sure your teeth are in perfect shape.
If you have any questions about your oral health, visit a 123Dentist location near you today! An oral health professional would be happy to answer any questions you have.
