Untreated Caries in Persons with Taste or Smell Dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Sensory Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Untreated dental caries is a significant public health issue.
• Chemosensory dysfunction, including taste and smell impairments, affects a substantial portion of the adult population.
• The relationship between chemosensory dysfunction and oral health, specifically dental caries, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between taste and smell dysfunction and untreated dental caries.
• To determine if sugar intake modifies this association.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 5,882 adults aged 40+.
• Assessed self-reported and objectively measured taste and smell dysfunction.
• Objectively measured caries using calibrated dental examiners.
• Employed logistic regression, controlling for covariates and accounting for survey design.

Main Results:

• Self-reported taste and smell problems were associated with increased odds of untreated caries (OR=1.38).
• Measured inability to taste bitterness, combined with high added sugar intake, doubled the odds of caries (OR=2.03).
• Smell dysfunction, whether self-reported or measured, showed no significant association with caries.

Conclusions:

• Perceived taste and smell dysfunction and the inability to taste bitterness at high added sugar intakes are linked to increased odds of untreated dental caries.
• Screening for chemosensory dysfunction can identify individuals at higher risk for dental caries.
• Facilitating early referral to dental professionals is recommended for individuals identified with chemosensory dysfunction.