Case Western Reserve University’s (OH) The Daily states that in a review of existing studies, researchers found “data showing increased body mass index, waist circumference and percentage of body fat to be associated with an increased risk to develop gum disease.” The researchers “concluded that changes in body chemistry affect metabolism, which, in turn causes inflammation – something present in both maladies.” Dr. Andres Pinto, professor of oral and maxillofacial medicine and diagnostic sciences at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and co-author of the study, said it is still unclear, however, whether treating one of the conditions will affect the other “given the paucity of controlled, well designed, clinical trials on this issue.” The findings were published in the British Dental Journal.
