Introduction
People living with severe obesity are at increased risk of poor oral health. This risk is shaped by multiple factors, including cariogenic dietary behaviours, reduced use of oral health services, and broader social determinants of health, such as health literacy, housing stability, food security, education, and income.
In this population, oral disease is linked to obesity-related health conditions and to specific aspects of oral health, including periodontal disease. Obesity is associated with systemic conditions that can increase oral disease risk, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and micronutrient inadequacy related to poor diet quality. Poor diet quality may result from disordered eating behaviours, low-nutrient food choices, obesity-modifying medications, or bariatric surgery. However, research on diet and oral health has often focused mainly on local effects on dental hard tissues, particularly dental caries and dental erosion.
A key practice gap is that oral healthcare teams may not routinely recognize disordered eating behaviours or their oral health consequences in clients living with severe obesity. This topic has received limited attention despite its relevance to prevention, early identification, and coordinated care.
Objective
This study aimed to increase awareness among oral healthcare teams of disordered eating behaviours and their potential oral health impacts in clients living with obesity.
Methods
This evidence-informed paper was developed to emphasize the importance of increasing oral health professionals’ awareness of disordered eating behaviours.
Results
Reported data describe the prevalence of disordered eating behaviours in both the general population and among individuals living with severe obesity. Several studies indicate a higher prevalence of some forms of disordered eating behaviours among people living with obesity. Potential oral health consequences include an increased risk of tooth loss, periodontal disease, and active dental caries.
Conclusion
Collaboration among oral health, nutrition, and medical professionals is important to support nutritional strategies that benefit both general and oral health in clients living with obesity. Suggested approaches include joint professional society statements and increased training for oral healthcare teams on the oral health impacts of disordered eating behaviours. These strategies can support early identification, tailored oral healthcare, and timely referral to appropriate support. Integrating oral healthcare teams into obesity management would strengthen their contribution to comprehensive, person-centred care for people living with severe obesity.
