With Obesity being a growing problem worldwide, there is a focus within healthcare of finding ways to improve the situation. New research has looked at the potential role that dentists could have in addressing weight management. The research has explored how dentists could incorporate weight management into dental check-ups, with positive findings.
Obesity is a growing health problem worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) calling obesity a “global epidemic” [1].
Finding ways of combatting obesity has proven difficult for health professionals. However, new research has looked into how dentists could play a role in this.
The research seemingly suggests that this could have a positive impact on the weight loss of patients [2]. This would be very helpful to the global healthcare system.
Obesity “epidemic”
Obesity is defined as someone with excess body fat. However, obesity goes beyond being overweight, and is a serious health concern.
Obesity has a range of negative health consequences. Research shows that obesity increases the risk of numerous types of cancer, premature death, cardiovascular conditions, stroke, and mental health problems [3].
Moreover, the economic impact of obesity is significant. Annual obesity-related healthcare costs in the United States alone is estimated to be over $170 billion [3].
The WHO have noted their concerns over obesity, referring to it as an “epidemic”. For example, the WHO have said that rates of obesity have almost trebled since 1975 [1].
From an oral health perspective, obesity is very relevant. As obesity is often caused by an over-consumption of high calorie or sugary foods, it can impact oral health. In fact, there is a strong connection between Gum Disease and obesity [4].
The Research
The research was undertaken by a team from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. Their findings have been published in the Obesity Reviews journal [2].
There are limited treatments for obesity. Instead, lifestyle and diet changes are recommended. While a doctor may provide this information, there is also the possibility that dentists could deliver this information – with this possibility looked into as part of this research.
The team reviewed 28 past studies from seven different countries on dental input into weight management [2]. This spanned 13,684 participants.
The past research pointed towards weight management being useful for patients. The research found that approximately 83% of participants were in support of weight being discussed in a dental appointment [2].
Also, the participants appeared to largely support being signposted to other health departments by dentists. This would create a wider support network across healthcare for patients [2].
Aside from reviewing past research, the team also worked directly with dentists and patients in the United Kingdom to assess how weight management screening could become part of a routine dental appointment [2].
They found that there is currently a lack of input during dental appointments to discuss weight issues. The researchers explained that existing barriers included weight stigma, lack of time, and a fear of offending their patient [2].
Moreover, the researchers also cautioned that it would be a delicate topic with children, as discussing weight at such a young age could risk inducing an eating disorder [2].
The researchers also pointed out that training and support would be necessary for dentists to make this approach work. Furthermore, clear guidance and advocacy from stakeholders, including professional regulatory bodies, would be required [2].
But the overall opinion was that discussing weight management during dental appointments was positive.
Author Comments
The findings were positive, and suggest that dentists can certainly play a role in weight management. Patients are seemingly receptive to this idea too.
Pediatric Dentist Jessica Large and Professor Amanda Daley led the research. The duo were pleased with the results, and voiced their approval of the findings [5].
Large said that “all health professionals have the opportunity to contribute to reducing obesity and improving health, and these results suggest that with the right support and training, dentists could help in a positive way to achieve this” [5].
Moreover, Daley said that dental appointments provide “an ideal opportunity to screen and intervene to reduce obesity”, along with offering the chance for dentists to offer dietary advice, which puts them in “a strong position to address weight concerns” [5].
Hopefully, this research will result in more dentists engaging with their patients regarding weight management. It could help the overall health of patients and contribute towards lessening the burden of obesity on the global healthcare system.
Thinking points…
1) One of the biggest drivers of obesity is high-sugar and calorific foods. This also links with the onset of tooth decay and oral health problems, as sugar has a negative effect on our oral health. Therefore, try and limit your sugar intake, and regularly attend dental appointments. At these appointments, any problems can be identified and then treated accordingly. We recommend booking a check-up now!
2) Weight management is definitely a sensitive topic. If you feel that you want to lose some weight, then you can start by setting yourself some targets like exercising more and increasing vegetable intake. This should also positively impact your oral health, as this will typically involve less sugary snacks being consumed!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™
! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] World Health Organization. (2024). Controlling the global obesity epidemic. Available: https://www.who.int/activities/controlling-the-global-obesity-epidemic. Last accessed: 21st February 2024.
[2] Large, J. F., Madigan, C., Graham, H., Biddle, G. J. H., Sanders, J., & Daley, A. J. (2024). Public and dental teams’ views about weight management interventions in dental health settings: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews. (Early View): e13726. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13726.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Consequences of Obesity. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/basics/consequences.html. Last accessed: 21st February 2024.
[4] De Castilhos, E. D., Horta, B. L., Gigante, D. P., Demarco, F. F., Peres, K. G., & Peres, M. A. (2012). Association between obesity and periodontal disease in young adults: a population-based birth cohort. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 39 (8): p717-724. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051x.2012.01906.x.
[5] Loughborough University. (2024). Study finds patients happy to get support on how to lose weight during routine dental appointments. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-02-patients-happy-weight-routine-dental.html. Last accessed: 21st February 2024.
