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Socio-economic status: Periodontitis-Obesity Bridge
Periodontitis (gum disease) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in Australia and worldwide (30-35%). Dental plaque biofilm accumulation is the etiological factor responsible for periodontitis, which with host immune response leads to gingival inflammation, destruction of periodontal tissues and bone support. Several studies have shown periodontitis to be associated with chronic systemic conditions, e.g. obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory conditions, in particular, inhalation pneumonia. We already know that obesity is a risk factor for periodontitis and social determinants are linked to both periodontitis and obesity. These includes age, gender, education level, lifestyle factors including tobacco and alcohol use, stress, access to oral and general health services, having dental/health insurance, dental visiting and oral hygiene behaviours, and whether the person has a job. However, we do not know what causes the link between periodontitis and obesity. Hence we aim to find the missing link between the two conditions, focusing on malnutrition, systemic inflammation and social determinants of health. The research plan has two stages: Stage 1 involves analysing Queensland/ NSW data from the National Survey of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH) 2004-06 which has 1,997 participants and over 300 variables to find confounders associated with both obesity and periodontitis. Stage 2 will be a cohort study using NSAOH 2017 data. This project will help develop better preventive strategies based on common risk factor approach in association with public health physicians, scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals to prevent both periodontitis and systemic diseases.
History
Publication title
UTAS Three Minute Thesis Competition 2016Department/School
School of Health SciencesEvent title
UTAS Three Minute Thesis Competition 2016Event Venue
Hobart, TasmaniaDate of Event (Start Date)
2016-01-01Date of Event (End Date)
2016-01-01Repository Status
- Restricted