Children with obesity may have greater oral health needs, including a higher risk of caries and gum disease, which can negatively affect their quality of life. This study was recently published in the International Dental Journal.
Furthermore, children with severe or complex obesity may face a higher risk of oral health problems due to factors such as high-sugar diets and early changes in glucose metabolism, the authors wrote.
“This study focused on young individuals with severe or complex obesity requiring specialised care and therefore likely facing higher oral health needs compared to the general population,” wrote the authors, led by Mathilde Saint-Jean of the Bordeaux University Hospital Oral Medicine and Surgery Center in France (Int Dent J, January 22, 2026, Vol. 76:2, 109383).
This cross-sectional study included 132 patients under 18 years old who received care at a pediatric specialized obesity center in France between November 2020 and December 2024. Oral health data was collected through a standardized questionnaire assessing preventive habits, they wrote.
The questionnaire evaluated factors such as dental visits and oral hygiene and the impact of oral health on quality of life, including oral pain, difficulty eating, or social embarrassment. Additionally, a clinical examination evaluated caries and gingivitis. Markers of glucose metabolism, including fasting glucose and insulin, were obtained from medical records.
Plaque was observed in 73% of participants, 37% had calculus, 44% had gingivitis, and one-third required orthodontic treatment. A total of 62 participants (47%) had at least one decayed or missing tooth. Forty-three participants (33%) had one or more untreated cavities, five participants (4%) had missing teeth due to decay, and 25 participants (19%) had filled teeth, they wrote.
Severe decay was present in 11% of participants, with over 15% of teeth affected, and 8% had more than 15% of their permanent teeth decayed. Oral pain and difficulty consuming hot or cold foods were reported by 19% and 30% of participants, respectively, while 17% felt embarrassed by their smiles or were mocked. No significant associations were found between gingivitis and glucose metabolism markers.
Nevertheless, the study had limitations. The clinical examinations were limited by the lack of a periodontal probe, an inability to dry teeth, and no radiographs, which may have led to underestimation of the oral health findings, the authors added.
“The findings suggest the importance of including oral health professionals in the multidisciplinary care team, as their involvement could enhance early identification and management of oral health issues in these patients, ultimately contributing to better overall health outcomes and quality of life,” Saint-Jean and colleagues concluded.
