Childhood Obesity and its Impact on Dental Health

Obesity is often linked to various health care matters as the prevalence of the disorder in today’s generation has led to the development of comorbidities. Actually, being overweight or obese during childhood increases the risks of medical conditions affecting the heart and the circulatory system; and of developing type 2 diabetes or cancer. Even in terms of oral health, excessive weight can affect teeth and gums, which only heightens the health and social problems linked to obese conditions.

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Starting from the childhood stage, the various food and beverages habitually consumed contain high levels of processed sugars and carbohydrates. All of which can increase or eventually cause oral health problems such as cavities and gum diseases. These problems can worsen if an obese person has no access, or simply avoids dental treatment and oral care services while growing up.

Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and Oral Health

Childhood obesity in the US has more than tripled since it was first noted in the 1970s. Apparently the problem did not draw attention as a potential economic problem as it was not provided with adequate solutions. As a consequence, nearly 42% of America’s adult population today are obese. The related statistical figures are expected to rise since childhood obesity is still prevalent in the country.

Obesity’s link to oral health takes several factors into consideration in terms of correlation and common risks. First off, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) generally uses percentile measures of body fat, in relation to the weight, height, age and overall health condition, in establishing the amount of body fat that children and teeangers need in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

That is why it’s always important for parents to monitor how their children’s nutrition, environment, physical or playing activities impact their body composition and overall body mass index or BMI.

Based on a scientific report published in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, the correlation between childhood obesity and oral health problems like cavities and gum disease are linked to several factors. Lack of physical activities, poor eating habits and changes in social behavior can lead to obesity, which more often than not, will also impact oral health.

Researchers who conducted the study found out that increased levels of calorie intakes after consuming highly processed fats, salt and sugar, combined with lack of exercise, are factors that heighten the risks of developing multiple health conditions linked to both obesity and cavities.

Children who hardly eat fruits and vegetables have minimal fiber and healthy nutrient intakes, which reduce their protection against cavities and gum disease. These correlations between obesity and poor oral health in children can create factors leading to other health conditions in later life, medically known as comorbidities.

Dental Health Care and Weight Loss Treatments

Obesity in adulthood tends to develop as a complex disease especially when it leads to having comorbidities. In some cases, medical prescriptions contribute to weight gain, while weakened conditions limit the type or duration of physical activities that an obese person can take on. Certain weight loss supplements if taken without proper medical advise can have an adverse impact while on an oral health care treatment or dental procedure.

The Modere Trim supplement for one has been making claims as an award winning health supplement that can help in weight reduction. However, when unraveling more details on Modere trim, the acclaim is not actually in relation to its active weight loss ingredient but for its anti-aging formulation. This can impact dental treatment, including dental implants, which involve jaw bone grafting and surgery.

Moreover, lesser known information about this supplement’s main weight loss ingredient, known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), is that CLA can cause stomach upset, diarrhoea and increased bleeding in certain cases. It’s important therefore for obese patients to inform their oral health care providers if they are taking weight loss medications.