Periodontitis and Body Mass Index among Patients attending a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that an increased body mass index (BMI) may be a potential risk factor for periodontitis. The association has been linked to unhealthy dietary patterns containing insufficient micronutrients, and excessive sugars and fats.

Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of patients who presented with signs and symptoms of chronic periodontitis that were also overweight or obese

Methods: A descriptive retrospective review was conducted on all patients who presented at the Periodontology Clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital with chronic periodontitis over five years (2015-2019). Data retrieved from patients' case notes were analyzed and presented as frequencies and percentages. Test for significance was done using Chi-square statistics, and the level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results: Of the one thousand, one hundred and eighty-nine (1,189) patients who attended the Periodontology outpatient clinic during the 5-year duration, five hundred and forty-nine (549) patients were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. Age ranged between 18 and 75 years with a mean age of 41.6±13.9 years.  There was a slight male predominance with male: female ratio of 1.14:1. More males were underweight and pre-obese than females. More patients who were overweight and pre-obese were in their third decade of life. A total of 27.1% pre-obese and 9.6% obese class 1 patients had chronic periodontitis involving three teeth while 27.6% pre-obese, 6.2% obese class 1 and 51.2% obese class 2 patients had chronic periodontitis of both anterior and posterior teeth.

Conclusion: One out of 3 patients that presented with chronic periodontitis were overweight and 1 out of 12 were obese

Key words: chronic periodontitis, overweight, obese, multiple teeth