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Longitudinal relationship between root caries and serum albumin.
A Yoshihara1, N Takano, T Hirotomi
1Division of Preventive Dentistry, Department of Oral Health Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 2-5274 Gakkocho-Dori, Niigata, 951-8514, Japan. akihiro@dent.niigata-u.ac.jp
Journal of Dental Research
|October 26, 2007
Summary
Serum albumin levels, a marker of health in older adults, correlate with root caries. Low serum albumin (hypoalbuminemia) indicates a higher risk for developing root caries, emphasizing its importance in oral health assessments.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serum albumin levels serve as a key indicator of general health and disease severity in the elderly.
- Root caries is a significant oral health concern in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between serum albumin levels and the incidence of root caries in older adults.
- To determine if changes in serum albumin concentration predict changes in root caries development over time.
Main Methods:
- A 6-year longitudinal study involving 266 participants aged 65 and older with at least one natural tooth.
- Annual examinations to assess root caries lesions and serum albumin levels.
- Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the association between changes in serum albumin and root caries, controlling for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between changes in serum albumin levels and changes in the number of root caries lesions over the 6-year study period (standardized coefficient = -0.148, p = 0.024).
- Serum albumin concentration was confirmed to correlate with root caries incidence.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with lower serum albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) are at an elevated risk for developing root caries.
- Serum albumin level is a relevant biomarker for predicting root caries risk in the elderly population.
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