Beyond body weight: the systemic effects of obesity on periodontal health

Jagoda  Stańska; Klaudia Borycka; Maria Berek; Aleksandra Baranowska; Aleksandra Dobrzańska; Kacper Kmieciak; Anna Hajduk; Piotr Szymański; Aleksandra Szymańska; Filip Kostanek

doi:10.12775/QS.2026.68.74401

Authors

Jagoda Stańska CSK Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4861-2856
Klaudia Borycka Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0006-7813
Maria Berek Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2613-1123
Aleksandra Baranowska Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0373-7577
Aleksandra Dobrzańska Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4694-793X
Kacper Kmieciak Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2703-2538
Anna Hajduk Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kościuszki 4 90-419 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1570-0608
Piotr Szymański Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kościuszki 4 90-419 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2891-640X
Aleksandra Szymańska Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kościuszki 4 90-419 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2122-7522
Filip Kostanek Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kościuszki 4 90-419 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0243-5219

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.68.74401

Keywords

Obesity, Periodontitis, Periodontal Health, Adipokines, Inflammation Mediators, Epigenomics

Abstract

Background: Obesity promotes "metaflammation" – a chronic, low-grade systemic inflammatory state closely tied to periodontitis. This pathological synergy accelerates the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues through shared immuno-metabolic pathways.

Aim: The aim of this study is to synthesize current scientific evidence regarding the systemic effects of obesity on periodontal health, focusing on the molecular, microbiological, and clinical mechanisms that link these two chronic conditions.

Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Quality in Sport, was conducted to identify systematic reviews and clinical trials. The investigation concentrated on adipokine profiles, clinical parameters (CAL, PD, BOP), and the influence of metabolic interventions on periodontal outcomes.

Results

Obesity accelerates alveolar bone loss by disrupting leptin/adiponectin and the RANKL/OPG axis. Systemic oxidative stress (elevated ROS, MDA) and endotoxemia (LPS/TLR-4) worsen local inflammation, which is sustained by HDAC1-mediated epigenetic memory. Clinically, obesity increases periodontitis risk by 31–35% (OR 1.31–1.35) and degrades pediatric oral health (DMFT, OHRQoL). Visceral adiposity impairs responses to non-surgical periodontal therapy (SRP), but weight loss restores healing and clinical attachment gain.

Conclusions

Adipose tissue dysfunction drives periodontal breakdown by reprogramming host immune and epigenetic landscapes.
Mechanical debridement (SRP) often fails alone under unmanaged metabolic stress.
Long-term stability requires interdisciplinary care combining oral therapy with metabolic stabilization and weight management.

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Beyond body weight: the systemic effects of obesity on periodontal health

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