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Tooth loss and regional grey matter volume
Lewis Winning1, Céline De Looze2, Silvin P Knight2
1Dublin Dental University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Journal of Dentistry
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Tooth loss in older adults was linked to reduced grey matter volume (GMV) in specific brain regions, including the paracentral lobule and cuneus cortex. This finding may explain the connection between tooth loss and cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Tooth loss is prevalent in older populations.
- Previous research suggests a link between tooth loss and cognitive decline.
- The underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between tooth loss and regional grey matter volume (GMV) in older Irish adults.
- To explore potential neuroanatomical correlates of tooth loss.
Main Methods:
- 380 dementia-free older adults from The Irish Longitudinal Study of Aging (TILDA) participated.
- Dental examinations and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were performed.
- Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between tooth count and regional GMVs, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the number of teeth and GMV in the paracentral lobule and cuneus cortex.
- Participants with more teeth exhibited greater GMV in these regions compared to edentulous individuals.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Tooth count is independently associated with regional GMV in the paracentral lobule and cuneus cortex in older adults.
- This finding provides a potential neurobiological link between tooth loss and cognitive decline.
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