New study finds possible link between obesity and gum disease

Researchers out of the University of Buffalo have completed a study which suggests that obesity-caused inflammation breaks down bone tissue including those which hold teeth in place.

The study was undertaken, according to Science Daily, with a view to improving “understanding of the connection between obesity and gum disease” with results suggesting that that chronic inflammation may have direct link to periodontal disease, arthritis and osteoporosis.

The study found that “inflammation resulting from obesity raises the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), a group of immune cells that increase during illness to regulate immune function”, an observation that has shed light on the mechanisms that “underpin the links” between obesity and periodontal disease”.

“This research promotes the concept that MDSC expansion during obesity to become osteoclasts during periodontitis is tied to increased alveolar bone destruction. Taken together, this data supports the view that obesity raises the risk of periodontal bone loss,” says Kyuhwan Kwack, PhD, postdoctoral associate in the UB Department of Oral Biology.

Further, according to Science Daily:

“The investigation found that the high-fat diet group experienced obesity, more inflammation and a greater increase of MDSCs in the bone marrow and spleen compared to the low-fat diet group. The high-fat diet group also developed a significantly larger number of osteoclasts and lost more alveolar bone (the bone that holds teeth in place).”

To read the full article, go to “Obesity raises the risk of gum disease by inflating growth of bone-destroying cells”

/ADA Public Release. View in full here.