Relationship between Tooth Loss, Functional Dyspepsia and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disorder among Isfahani Adults

Few studies have assessed the relationship between tooth loss and upper gastro-intestinal (GI) disorders including functional dyspepsia (FD) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to investigate the relation between dental status and FD, its components and GERD among a large group of Isfahani adults.

In a cross-sectional study from April to May 2010, the dental status of 4109 Isfahani adults was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were categorized into three main groups: those with full dentition, individual who had lost 1-5 teeth and those who had lost >5 teeth. FD, its components and GERD were defined using Rome III criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between dental status and gastrointestinal disorders.

After adjustment for potential confounders, we found no significant association between dental status, FD and GERD. However, individuals who had lost 1-5 teeth and >5 teeth had 34% and 109% greater odds for early satiation, respectively. In addition, individuals who had lost 1-5 teeth were 24% likely to have postprandial fullness and epigastric pain. Stratified analyses by gender also revealed a significant association between dental status and GERD as well as FD in females; such that those who had lost 1-5 teeth had 33% greater chance for GERD and those who had lost >5 teeth were 101% more likely to have FD compared with those with full dentition.

We found significant positive associations between tooth loss, GERD and FD in women, but not in men. We also found significant relations between tooth loss and components of FD, especially early satiety in the entire population.