iDentistry The Journal identistry_jan_april2019 | Page 4

The Journal
EDITORIAL
Obesity and Oral Issues
Periodontal problems are part of health issues having implications on systemic
health, rather than just general oral health problems. Obesity that is of late
considered a health issue, primarily caused by the changed lifestyles, is related to
periodontitis when studied in terms of the obese individual’s body mass index
(BMI) using parameters such as ratio of waisttohip circumference, fat content in
the body, and consumption of oxygen. Obesity is a condition similar to overall
inflammation, occurring with metabolic and immune characteristics, rendering one
susceptible to periodontal disease. To establish these connections of chronic
inflammation such as periodontitis and obesity, several hosts of mediators have
been recognized. Functioning as endocrine organ, adipose tissue is a connective
tissue, loose in nature, and its adipocytes not only function as a passive triglyceride
reservoir but also generate cytokines and hormones which can result in erratic
responses of immunity. Adipokines perform a number of different roles like the
ones played by leptin and adiponectin, wherein they function as hormone like
proteins. These adipocytokines play an important role in initiation of periodontal
disease by activating monocytes, which increases the production of inflammatory
cytokines. Release of inflammatory cytokines causes an alteration in the host
immune responses that links to a higher susceptibility to bacterial infection.
Dr. Amrit Raj Bahl
Editor-in-Chief
4
Vol. 15
No. 1
Jan-April 2019