Investigation of DMFT index and saliva values in morbid obese and obese patients

Objective: Obesity is a global and chronic disease affecting developed and developing countries. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of morbid obesity and obesity on DMFT index and saliva values (unstimulated saliva flow rate, stimulated saliva flow rate, saliva viscosity, saliva pH and buffering capacity). Materials and Methods: 50 morbid obese, 50 obese and 50 normal weight patients between the ages of 18-68 participated in the study. The DMFT index, which calculates the decayed, missing and filled teeth of the patients, was determined by clinical examination. Saliva values were determined using the GC Saliva Check Buffer saliva kit. The patients were surveyed to determine their oral care habits, nutritional habits and socioeconomic status. IBM SPSS for Windows Version 22.0 program was used for statistical evaluation of research data. Results: There was no significant difference in the number of decayed teeth, filled teeth, unstimulated saliva flow rate and saliva viscosity among morbid obese, obese and normal weight (control groups) (p>0.05). Significant difference was found between the groups in DMFT index, number of lost teeth, stimulated saliva flow rate, saliva pH and buffering capacity (p<0.05). DMFT index (p=0.006) and number of missing teeth (p<0.001) were found significantly higher in obese than control group. Stimulated saliva flow rate (p<0.001), saliva pH (p=0.014) and buffering capacity (p=0.002) were found to be significantly lower in obese than the control group. Conclusion: Obesity negatively affects the DMFT index, number of missing teeth, stimulated saliva flow rate, saliva pH and buffering capacity. Key words: Dental caries, morbid obesity, obesity, saliva.