Oral pathologies in children, such as cavities and gingivitis, are common and could be associated with an increased risk of later obesity. According to Professor Jean-Jacques Baudon, a third of European children are overweight or obese, and a large number suffer from cavities and gingivitis from a very young age. Studies show that excess weight and periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and tartar, could be linked, in particular via mechanisms involving the oral and intestinal microbiome. These microbial interactions would influence taste, satiety and, consequently, eating behaviors.
A Finnish longitudinal study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics followed 2,700 children aged 9 to 12, revealing that those with oral conditions were more likely to develop excess weight or central obesity over a period of two years. After adjusting for risk factors such as diet and socioeconomic status, the researchers observed a significant association between the presence of cavities and gingivitis/tartar and weight gain (adjusted HR 1.75). On the other hand, when these pathologies were present in isolation, no direct link with obesity was demonstrated.
These results suggest that preventive measures to maintain good oral health could also help reduce the risks of excessive weight gain in children.
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