Gaining weight may increase a person's risk of gum disease, says a study.

The study looked at data from previous research. It included only long-term studies that focused on possible links between weight gain and gum disease.

The researchers found five studies that involved a total of 42,198 people. The studies showed that people who became overweight had a 13% increased risk of gum disease, compared with people who remained at normal weight. People who became obese had a 33% increased risk of gum disease, compared with those who did not become obese.

"Overweight" usually is defined as having a body-mass index (BMI) between 25.1 and 30. "Obese" is defined as having a BMI higher than 30.

The study appears in the May issue of the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. It was done by researchers in Brazil and South Australia.

Source: SimpleSteps Dental