Comparing
the results obtained in this study with other studies found in the literature
was not a simple task, both because of the subject matter, which still has much
to be explored, and because of the methodology adopted and, above all, because
of the preoperative phase for BC, with most studies being postoperative. Based
on the data obtained on clinical and demographic variables and comparing it
with the study by Vieira [13], most individuals with obesity were also female,
but the average age of the current study's records was almost a decade higher
and the average BMI was lower than that established by these authors (47.3 kg/m2).
Although other variables such as education or length of study, marital status,
and occupation, among other information, were recorded in the database, they
were not explored for the proposed objectives, which is why they cannot be
compared. According to Mores et al, candidates for bariatric surgery often have
respiratory disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), mainly due to
the accumulation of fat in the neck region (increased circumference). These
metric values also represent indicators of other health conditions, such as
increased insulin resistance, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction and,
with regard to orofacial functions, sagging cheeks, a large tongue, and
impaired chewing. It should be noted that one of the anthropometric parameters
of the current study was the increase in cervical or neck.
Hsu
and Farrell? found a reduction in DM2 to be one of the main goals of CB and
Metabolic, which would reinforce the indication for this procedure, even in
individuals with grade I obesity. According to the records presented in Table
1, the largest number of data occurred for subjects with grade II obesity, and
SAH was the most frequently described comorbidity, sometimes linked to DM2.
With regard to OH conditions more directly, Malik et al, stated that although
SB behaviours are not associated with increased BMI, patients with clinically
severe obesity have eating behaviours and oral hygiene habits that can
complicate both nutritional treatment and dental treatment demands. According
to the analysis in Table 2, in the Results, it can be seen that the perception
of SB was quite negative; however, the perception of oral hygiene was rated as
“fair”. According to Sharma et al.,11 OH plays a crucial role in obesity
control. These authors' study suggests an association between obesity and oral
diseases, including PD, dental caries, dental erosion, xerostomia, and dentine
hypersensitivity. In this context and compared to the complaints catalogued in
the current study (Table 2), the following were observed: orofacial pain, PD,
tooth loss (without the use of dentures), malocclusion and other situations. We
agree with these authors that maintaining OWH is highly relevant for
individuals with obesity, as compromised dental units or discomfort in the
orofacial region can negatively influence healthier eating habits. When analysing
the time elapsed since the last visit to the dentist (Table 2), an interval of
between two and five years can be seen for the most vulnerable group. This
longer interval may involve physical limitations (of access) to the service,
whether due to mobility difficulties, social conditions or the logistics of
this care, which constitutes a major challenge, especially in the public health
sector. This has been the biggest barrier faced by BS candidates from where the
data originated and the reason for the search for new strategies to address and
overcome these ‘obstacles. According to Malik et al, there is a lack of studies
linking body mass index (BMI) and the use of dental services with oral and
general health, quality of life, well-being and mental health. The authors in
question did not identify a significant correlation between BMI and variables
related to the use of dental services, but they did find a negative correlation
between anxiety about dental treatment and the use of these services, with impacts
on well-being, quality of life and mental health.