The term periodontitis describes a gum disorder marked by destruction of bones supporting our teeth and gum tissues. Besides making an individual susceptible towards suffering from tooth loss, periodontitis can also increase one’s risk of having other serious medical conditions like heart attack, stroke and obesity. Although periodontitis is an extremely severe gum disease, the condition is preventable. Practicing strict oral hygiene is the easiest way of preventing onset of periodontitis.
A study conducted in the year 2003 discovered links between obesity and periodontitis. The study found that the disease is 76% more common among the obese individuals between the ages of 18 years and 34 years compared to the people of same age group having normal body weight. However, the study could not establish any connection between obesity and periodontitis in people above the age of 34 years. 
According to the researchers, this difference in the outcome of the study is probably because of the dissimilar dietary habits practiced by the younger people taking part in the study. Younger people or the members of the current generation tend to eat much lesser amount of raw vegetables and fruits compared to the people of the earlier generations. This increases their chance of gaining body weight and becoming victims of obesity. Other eating habits practiced by people of younger generation like consuming sodas and fast foods are also responsible for increasing number of cases of obesity and tooth decay among them.
In the year 2008, another study found links between obesity and periodontitis. In this study it was found that periodontitis results in faster progress of the condition called insulin resistance; insulin resistance is a contributing factor of obesity. This study also found links between high body fat percentage and periodontitis in the younger adults; similar to the 2003 study, the 2008 study also did not find any link between obesity and periodontitis in older and middle aged individuals.
