Tooth Loss as a Risk Factor of Declining Intrinsic Capacity Domains in Later Life: Evidence From NHANES 2009-2014

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Oral Health and Aging Research

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines intrinsic capacity (IC) as crucial for healthy aging, encompassing physical and mental resources.
• The relationship between oral health, specifically the number of remaining teeth, and intrinsic capacity remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between the number of remaining teeth and the various domains of intrinsic capacity in older adults.
• To provide insights into the role of oral health as a component of healthy aging.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 787 participants aged 60 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014.
• Participants were categorized by dentition status: ≥20 teeth, 10-19 teeth, 1-9 teeth, and edentulous (no teeth).
• Intrinsic capacity domains (locomotion, vitality, psychological well-being, sensory function, cognition) were assessed using NHANES items aligned with WHO definitions.

Main Results:

• Reduced dentition (10-19 teeth, 1-9 teeth, or edentulous) was significantly associated with higher odds of locomotion difficulty compared to having ≥20 teeth.
• Fewer remaining teeth correlated with reduced vitality, including unintentional weight loss and lower appetite.
• Edentulous individuals showed increased risks of poor psychological well-being (depressive symptoms, anhedonia) and sensory impairments (hearing loss).

Conclusions:

• The number of remaining teeth is significantly associated with impairments across multiple intrinsic capacity domains in older adults.
• Reduced dentition is consistently linked to impaired locomotion, highlighting the importance of oral health for mobility in aging.
• Findings underscore the multifaceted impact of oral health on overall healthy aging and intrinsic capacity.