Those who are obese or underweight are more likely to suffer from tooth decay, says new extensive research.
According to the study, those who were of normal weight or were overweight averaged two or 2.1 decayed teeth respectively.
However, those who fell in the obese and underweight demographics averaged 2.4 decayed teeth.
The newly-published study looked at dental records – along with other data – for 66,790 Israeli soldiers.
Better resource distribution
‘This research demonstrates a positive association between underweight and obesity BMI categories and dental caries,’ said Dr Galit Almoznino of Hebrew University’s Department of Oral Medicine and Hadassah Medical Center.
‘The findings highlight the need to raise awareness for these common morbidities and their association.
‘They highlight the need to better allocate resource distribution to focus on underweight and obese populations who require dental treatment.’
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Dental disease worsening
This comes as a dental hygienist welcomed the news that the chair of a UK food watchdog has slammed the widespread ‘cake culture’ of many British workplaces.
Professor Susan Jebb, chair of the Food Standards Agency, this month likened sweet treats in the workplace to passive smoking.
She suggested adopting a more ‘supportive environment’ by removing unhealthy snacks.
Dental hygienist Tim Ives, who has researched the dental profession’s approach to limiting sugar, argues that dental professionals could do more to encourage healthier workplaces.
He said: ‘Last week, I placed a poll in a dental hygiene and therapy forum asking if anyone worked in a sugar-free practice. Out of 167 responses, not one did. This is alarming.
‘The statistics for dental disease are getting worse with the amount of sugar consumption spiralling out of control. I believe the dental profession must lead by example.’
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