Obesity Possibly Connected to Oral Bacteria

Obesity is considered to be an on-going epidemic in the United States, with an estimated 31% of the adult population classified as obese. A study published in the June issue of the International and American Associations for Dental Research’s Journal of Dental Research, suggests that oral bacteria may contribute to the development of obesity.

According to this press release, the study involved 313 overweight women, with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 32. After comparing the saliva of the overweight women to the saliva of 232 healthy individuals from periodontal disease studies, researchers J.M. Goodson, D. Groppo, S. Halem and E. Carpino discovered the likelihood that a single bacterial species, known as Selenomonas noxia found in 98.4% of the overweight subjects, may serve as a biological indicator of a developing overweight condition. Alternatively, the researchers believe in the possibility that oral bacteria may participate in the pathology that leads to obesity.

We continue to learn about the connection between our health and our mouth, almost on a daily basis. A trip to see your dentist just might be what the doctor orders.