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[The influence of edentulism on spirometric values]
S Carossa1, P Pera, A De Lillo
1Università degli Studi, Foggia Cattedra di Malattie Odontostomatologiche Università degli Studi, Genova.
Minerva Stomatologica
|March 21, 2001
Summary
Tooth loss (edentulism) impacts lung function tests in healthy individuals by narrowing airways. This effect was not observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Dental Medicine
- Pulmonary Function Testing
Context:
- Edentulism, or tooth loss, can affect the pharyngeal musculature, potentially influencing airway dimensions.
- Spirometric measurements assess lung function and airflow rates.
Purpose:
- To investigate if edentulism, through reduced pharyngeal musculature, impacts spirometric measurements.
- To compare these effects in healthy individuals versus those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Summary:
- Spirometry was performed on 58 edentulous subjects (36 healthy, 22 COPD) with and without dentures.
- Removing dentures significantly decreased lung volumes and airflow in healthy subjects but not in COPD patients.
- Cephalometry showed reduced retropharyngeal space when dentures were removed in both groups.
Impact:
- Edentulism significantly affects spirometric measurements in healthy individuals by reducing extrathoracic airway caliber.
- The impact of edentulism on spirometry is negligible in patients with COPD.