Methods: This cross-sectional study included 680 subjects aged between 18-65, with healthy periodontal status, gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis. All subjects completed the questionnaire with independent variables: age, education, socio-economic status, oral hygiene habits, smoking habit, presence of any systemic diseases. Periodontal examination included: plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment level. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured.
Results: Periodontal diseases were more frecquent in males than in females, and the prevalence increased with age. Subjects with poor oral hygiene habits, smokers or unsatisfactory socio-economic status showed significantly higher prevalence of periodontal diseases. Statistically significant correlations were found between periodontal diseases and BMI and WC: according to BMI 30,5% were obese and 42,5% had high WC. 51,9% of obese participants had chronic periodontitis. Gingivitis and initial periodontitis do not influence BMI and WC, only the chronic periodontitis remained significantly associated with obesity.
Conclusions: The present study suggestes that there is an association between chronic periodontitis and BMI- defined obesity or WC, but further prospective studies should be carried on to establish the extent of it. The prevention and management of obesity may represent an approach to control periodontal health