Association of socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyle habits, and saliva parameters with dental caries in adults with obesity

Abstract

Objective: To describe the oral health status of patients with obesity and to explore the socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyle habits (tobacco, alcohol, sweet/acidic diet), and saliva parameters most associated with the dental caries experience. Material and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 204 patients’ data with obesity attending a therapeutic education programme. Caries experience (number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth [DMFT]), periodontal status, oral hygiene, occlusal tooth wear, masticatory inefficiency, and saliva parameters were recorded. Results: Mean DMFT was 12 ± 7 and was independently associated with age (mean 47 ± 14 years; for 1 standard deviation (SD) increase: β = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.16–0.29), female sex (72%; β = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.65–5.87), brushing <2 times/day (35%; β = 2.86, 95% CI = 0.81–4.90), salivary buffering capacity (low [46%] vs. normal [40%]: β = 2.02, 95% CI = 0.08–3.95; very low [10%] vs. normal: β = 3.34, 95% CI = 0.31–6.37), and salivary consistency (bubbly [30%] vs. clear [57%]: β = 2.45, 95% CI = 0.52–4.38). Conclusions: Improving patients’ competencies for oral care, such as teeth brushing twice daily, is necessary to limit the burden of dental caries in individuals with obesity. Acting on salivary composition may also be of interest, and further studies are required to explore the underlying mechanisms.