Periodontal status was determined through plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, pocket probing depth, clinical attachment level and radiographs. Periodontal status was classified according to criteria proposed by the 1999 International World Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Disease and Conditions as either 'periodontally healthy', 'gingivitis' or 'generalized chronic periodontitis'. Study participants were then grouped according to body mass index and periodontal status as follows: