Incident Lung Cancer and Mortality: Data From Health ABC Using Periodontal Status and Tooth Loss

To evaluate whether periodontal parameters and tooth loss are associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality among older adults.

Data are from the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) study, which included 1136 older adults who received a periodontal examination and were followed for up to 16 years. Pocket depth and clinical attachment level were assessed for all present teeth. Adjusted Cox regression models were used to examine the relationship between periodontal parameters and number of natural teeth with lung cancer incidence and mortality.

Lung cancer incidence was 4.4% (n = 50) and was identified as cause of death in 3.3% (n = 38). Those presenting at least 10% of sites with probing depth ≥ 6 mm demonstrated a higher risk of lung cancer and death due to lung cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-6.72 and HR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.27-7.46), respectively. Tooth loss was associated with a reduced hazard of lung cancer incidence (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93-0.99) and related mortality (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92-0.99).

The association between severe periodontal disease parameters and tooth loss with lung cancer among older adults underscores the importance of oral health maintenance for cancer prevention strategies.