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Estrogen replacement therapy--something to smile about
1Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995). Supplement
|July 2, 2002
Summary
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is linked to better tooth retention in older women. Longer ERT use significantly reduces the risk of tooth loss and complete edentia, suggesting benefits beyond osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Tooth loss and alveolar bone resorption are prevalent issues in aging populations.
- Systemic osteoporosis is associated with increased tooth loss and residual ridge resorption.
- Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is known to mitigate osteoporosis development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between estrogen use and tooth retention in elderly women.
- To determine if ERT duration influences the risk of tooth loss and edentia.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 3,921 women (ages 52-109) in the Leisure World Cohort Study.
- Comparison of tooth retention and edentia risk between estrogen users and non-users.
- Age-adjusted risk assessment based on duration of ERT use.
Main Results:
- Women who ever used estrogen retained more teeth (21.2 vs. 19.2) compared to non-users.
- Increasing duration of ERT use correlated with a decreased risk of having fewer than 25 teeth.
- Long-term ERT users (15+ years) had a significantly lower risk of edentia (toothlessness).
Conclusions:
- Estrogen use is associated with improved tooth retention in older women.
- ERT may offer protective benefits for alveolar bone, similar to its effects on systemic osteoporosis.
- Findings support a link between bone health, estrogen therapy, and oral health outcomes.