Tooth loss and heart disease

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between tooth loss and heart disease.

Research Methods

Data were analyzed from the 1999 to 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing telephone survey operated by state health agencies with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study was conducted based on 41,891 adults aged 40 to 79 years old in 22 states and the District of Columbia.

Research Results

A significant association was observed between the extent of tooth loss and heart disease prevalence. After adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and marital status, respondents who had:

• 1 to 5 missing teeth - 6.8% heart disease prevalence
• 6 to 31 missing teeth - 10.2% heart disease prevalence
• Complete tooth loss (edentulous) - 11.5% heart disease prevalence
• No tooth loss - 5.3% heart disease prevalence (baseline)

These associations persisted after further adjustment for smoking status, diabetes, alcohol consumption, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and body mass index:

• 1 to 5 missing teeth - 5.7% adjusted prevalence
• 6 to 31 missing teeth - 7.5% adjusted prevalence
• Complete tooth loss - 8.5% adjusted prevalence
• No tooth loss - 4.7% adjusted prevalence

The associations remained significant after stratification by age group (40 to 59 years and 60 to 79 years) and smoking status (ever smoked and never smoked).

Key Findings

Tooth loss is associated in a consistent and graded fashion with the self-reported prevalence of heart disease. This means the more teeth you lose, the higher your risk of heart disease becomes.

Clinical Implications

Health promotion counseling should include:

• Prevention and control of cardiovascular disease risk factors
• Maintenance of good oral health

The connection between oral health and heart health demonstrates the importance of comprehensive healthcare that addresses both dental and medical needs.

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Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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