Older adults with chronic conditions at higher risk for tooth loss

Older adults with certain chronic conditions were significantly more likely to have severe tooth loss compared with adults who did not suffer from chronic conditions, according to an analysis published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

“Oral health reflects overall health, and having a healthy mouth is important,” Marcia L. Parker, DMD, MPH of the CDC’s Division of Oral Health, told Healio Primary Care.

Parker and colleagues analyzed data from adults aged 50 years or older during two time periods captured in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The first sample, from 1999 to 2004, included 6,283 adults, and the second, which spanned 2011 to 2016, included 7,443 adults.

During 2011 to 2016, among adults who had a dental exam, the prevalence of edentulism, severe tooth loss and lacking functional dentition were 10.8%, 16.9% and 31.8%, respectively, according to the researchers. The prevalence of edentulism and severe tooth loss was higher among older patients with each of the chronic conditions — except for obesity — compared with older patients without chronic conditions. Results suggested that the prevalence of edentulism was at least twice as high among adults with fair or poor general health, emphysema, heart disease, or stroke history.

Additionally, the prevalence of severe tooth loss was at least 50% higher among adults with fair or poor general health, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, diabetes, uncontrolled diabetes, emphysema, heart disease, liver condition or stroke, compared with those who did not have the condition. Finally, lack of functional dentition was at least 50% more prevalent among adults reporting fair or poor general health, rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema, or heart disease than among those not reporting the condition.

Previous studies have linked good oral hygiene to a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, and, when combined with antihypertensive medications, improved systolic BP.

Parker said that oral health is not limited to the dentist’s office.

“Primary care providers have an opportunity to educate their patients about the importance of oral health, and they can also screen and refer patients to dental professionals for needed dental care,” she said.

According to the researchers, the Smiles for Life website can help medical professionals incorporate oral health into their patient care practices.