Enfermedad periodontal y su impacto en pacientes con obesidad.

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity has been associated with increased susceptibility to inflammatory diseases, including periodontal disease. Knowledge about periodontal disease is insufficient, even among adults with advanced clinical signs. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge about periodontal disease in overweight and obese patients. Method: A quantitative observational study was conducted, analyzing 97 overweight and obese patients using an 8-question self-report questionnaire on periodontal knowledge, as well as factors such as oral hygiene, frequency of dental visits, smoking, physical activity, and subjective perception of oral health. Results: Patients had a mean age of 36 years, predominantly male (55.7%). The majority of patients were non-smokers (62.9%), had low physical activity (76.3%), inadequate oral hygiene habits (66%), and a fair or poor subjective perception of oral health (54.6%). The level of knowledge and self-perception of periodontal disease showed the greatest concentration in the belief in gum disease (80.4%), bad breath (55.7%), bleeding gums (96.9%), changes in tooth appearance (84.5%), and not having had a deep cleaning (68%). An association was only observed between the level of periodontal knowledge of bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth without lesions, and bone loss around the teeth and visits to the dentist. Conclusion: There is an active self-perception of oral signs and discomfort, but with still limited knowledge regarding the preventive and therapeutic approach to periodontal disease in overweight and obese patients