Abstract

Background: It is scientifically evident that the overall health relies significantly on the oral health. The relationship between increased body mass index (BMI) and periodontitis could be caused by improper dietary habits. This study aimed to find the relationship between BMI and periodontitis.
Methodology: A total of 387 randomly selected male and female participants within the age group of 25-55 years, who visited Qassim University’s dental clinics, were included in this study. Periodontal condition was assessed clinically according to the pocket depth, clinical attachment loss (CAL), papillary bleeding index, and tooth loss due to periodontitis. Height (in m) and weight (in kg) were measured to assess the BMI.
Results: The participants with periodontitis showed a highly significant association with obesity (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: There was a positive relationship between increased BMI index and periodontitis. The increase in BMI could be a potential risk factor of periodontitis. Thus, the evaluation of BMI could be used in periodontal risk assessment.

Key words: Body mass index, periodontitis, obesity