Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically in recent years. It is a risk factor for several chronic health problems. It is also associated with oral disease, particularly periodontal disease. Furthermore, periodontitis could contribute to obesity by inducing chewing disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between obesity and periodontal status in a group of obese Moroccan patients and to determine the main factors associated with this disease.

Materials and Methods: This is a case-control study conducted at the endocrinology and metabolic diseases department of the UHC Ibn Rochd in Casablanca and at the Ibn Rochd dental consultation and treatment center. It was spread over a year from September 2021 to September 2022.

Results: The prevalence of periodontitis was 98% in obese patients and 72% in the control group. The overall mean age was 37.54 years (±12.6 years), that of obese patients was 39.18 years (±12.16 years) and control patients was 35.9 years (±13.1 years) with a clear female predominance whether in the group of obese patients or control cases. The average body mass index was 30.21 kg/m2 (±8.4 kg/m²), that of obese patients was 36.59 kg/m² (±7.28 kg/m²) with a statistically significant relationship between periodontitis and obesity (P=0.001). Thus, there is a relationship between class 2 of obesity and the prevalence of the disease (P=0.014). The majority of our patients were of low socioeconomic status (60% of cases) with evidence of a significant relationship (P=0.05). Only a third of our population brushed their teeth correctly (31%). In the group of obese patients this percentage was 16%. The association between poor toothbrushing and periodontal disease was significant (P=0.04). The bivariate analysis showed an increased risk of periodontal disease in the event of anterior tooth loss (P=0.01). Receding gingiva was identified in 62% of obese patients and 54% of non-obese patients. The multivariate analysis did not show any statistically significant association between the different variables.

Conclusion: The susceptibility of obese patients compared to people of normal weight to chronic periodontitis prompts a systematic periodontal and dental examination of these patients in order to improve chewing ability. Hence the importance of multidisciplinary management of these patients.