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Is tooth loss associated with multiple chronic conditions?
Sara Hag Mohamed1, Wael Sabbah1
1King's College London, London, UK.
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
|January 12, 2023
Summary
Tooth loss is linked to multiple chronic conditions in working-age adults. This finding suggests tooth loss may signal broader health issues due to shared risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Oral Health Research
Background:
- Multiple chronic conditions (MCC) pose a significant public health challenge.
- Oral health, specifically tooth loss, is increasingly recognized for its systemic health implications.
- Understanding the link between tooth loss and MCC in working-age adults is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between tooth loss and the co-occurrence of multiple chronic conditions (MCC) in American adults of working age.
- To determine if the extent of tooth loss correlates with the number of co-occurring chronic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2018 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a nationally representative survey.
- Included 202,809 working-age adults (25-64 years) with data on sociodemographics, chronic conditions, and tooth loss.
- Employed regression analysis to assess the association between tooth loss and MCC, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between tooth loss and MCC.
- Individuals reporting 1-5 missing teeth had a 1.18 rate ratio for MCC.
- Those with 6 or more missing teeth (including all teeth) showed substantially higher rate ratios (1.53 and 1.62, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Tooth loss may serve as an early indicator for the presence of multiple chronic conditions in working-age adults.
- The observed association is likely influenced by common underlying risk factors affecting both oral and general health.
- This highlights the importance of integrated approaches to oral and systemic health management.
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