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Obesity and Oral Health

In a recent article published by the AMA, studies show that the national obesity rate is now nearing 40%, a significant change from the 34-35% levels maintained between 2005 and 2012. The latest data from NHANES shows that 39.6% of adults and 18.5% of children ages 2-19 have obesity.  These are the highest rates ever recorded by NHANES.

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research in 2014 revealed that “Body mass index (BMI) and obesity appear to be independent predictors of poor response following nonsurgical periodontal therapy”.  The research showed an association between worse probing pocket depths (PPDs) and obesity that “was similar to that of smoking, which was also linked to a worse clinical outcome”.

Here is a link to a great article from Dentalnews.com discussing the link between a BMI of more than 30 and periodontal disease.

 

As sobering as the Obesity Epidemic is, there is hope!

In the study sited by the AMA, Obesity and severe obesity rates fell among 2- to 4-year-olds enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.

Nationally, 14.5 percent of these children were obese, according to the most recent 2014 data, down from 15.9 percent in 2010, the report shows. The drop was seen in 31 states and three U.S. territories.

Our best chance to change behavior is EDUCATION!  Better teaching will always lead to better choices!

As a trusted healthcare provider, you and your team have a unique position of influence with your patients.  Take advantage of Guru Dental’s unique teaching tool to help change the behavior of your patients and improve their health!

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