Challenges of obesity

Question 1

what are some of the factors of obesity?

Answer 1

• deprivation
• mental, social and physical health
• 65% of adults in Scotland are overweight

Question 2

what’s the relationship between obesity and oral health

Answer 2

• obese people tend to consume more sugary foods and snack more often
• more prone to fungal infections in the mouth
• dry mouth
• poor wound healing
• 13-33% increased chance of periodontitis in overweight people (dental plaque/inflamed gums)

Question 3

why is the relationship between obesity and poor oral health complex

Answer 3

because obesity isn’t the cause of poor oral health. overweight people tend to eat more calorific food, however, that doesn’t affect oral health, only sugar does.

Question 4

what can be done as a dentist for an obese patient?

Answer 4

• brief intervention

- use evidence-based leaflets

Question 5

state the policy target changes

Answer 5

• food environment: making healthier food more available
• food systems: providing alternative pathways for food companies to produce healthier food
• behaviour changes: educate people on eating healthy