Previous research
has found that dental health issues are associated with elevated risk
of cardiovascular disease. However, most of that research looked at
cumulative tooth loss over a lifetime, which often includes teeth
lost in childhood due to cavities, trauma and orthodontics. Tooth
loss in middle age is more likely related to inflammation, but it
hasn't been clear how this later-in-life tooth loss might influence
cardiovascular disease risk.
Losing two or more teeth during middle age is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk
Having fewer natural teeth by middle age is linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk.
In a collaboration
between Tulane University School of Public Health and Harvard’s
T.H. Chan School of Public Health, researchers analyzed the impact of
tooth loss in large studies of adults, aged 45 to 69 years, in which
participants had reported on the numbers of natural teeth they had,
then in a follow-up questionnaire, reported recent tooth loss. Adults
in this analysis didn't have cardiovascular disease when the studies
began. The researchers prospectively studied the occurrence of tooth
loss during an eight-year period and followed an incidence of
cardiovascular disease among people with no tooth loss, one tooth
lost and two or more teeth lost over 12-18 years.
They found:
- Among the adults with 25 to 32 natural teeth at the study's start, those who lost two or more teeth had a 23 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease, compared to those with no tooth loss.
-
The increased risk occurred regardless of reported diet quality, physical activity, body weight and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
-
There wasn't a notable increase in cardiovascular disease risk among those who reported losing one tooth during the study period.
-
Cardiovascular disease risk among all the participants (regardless of the number of natural teeth at the study's start) increased 16 percent among those losing two or more teeth during the study period, compared to those who didn't lose any teeth.
-
Adults with less than 17 natural teeth, versus 25 to 32, at the study's start, were 25 percent more likely to have cardiovascular disease.
Clearly, the
findings suggest that middle-aged adults who have lost two or more
teeth in recent past could be at increased risk for cardiovascular
disease. That's regardless of the number of natural teeth a person
has at middle-aged adult, or whether they have traditional risk
factors for cardiovascular disease, such as poor diet or high blood
pressure.
Take Steps to Reduce Tooth-Loss Risk
Armed with the
knowledge that tooth loss in middle age can signal elevated
cardiovascular disease risk, adults can take steps to reduce the
increased risk early on:
Eat Right with a Tooth Healthy Diet
Your diet builds
strong, healthy teeth – and a sound body to boot. Make sure your
diet is low in sugar and high in a variety of nutrients. Teeth are
also particularly vulnerable to acidic drinks, which wash over enamel
and erode tooth surfaces. Try to build your daily dining around dairy, lean proteins, fruit and vegetables with crunchy textures, and drink plenty of water.
Brush at least 2x Daily – the Right Way
When was the last
time you had a brushing refresher? It’s always a good idea to check
in on your technique. The better your brushing, the less time you
spend over the sink and the fewer the cavities that pop up at exams.
Don’t Skip the Floss
Many of us feel like
we don’t have time for flossing. But if you’re getting serious
about avoiding tooth loss, you need to make time. Flossing removes
bacteria from areas between the teeth that might not be accessible
with a toothbrush. It may also help strengthen the gums to prevent
gingivitis. Once floss feels like a part of your routine, it will be
easy to check it off your list each day.
Treat Your Teeth with Respect
Your enamel may be
strong, but it’s not indestructible. Treat your teeth gently and
don’t abuse them by chewing on anything other than food. If you
struggle with bruxism, be sure to wear a night guard so that
clenching and grinding don’t erode your teeth.
Check in with Your Oral Health
Your teeth will tell
you when something is wrong – and you know them better than anyone
else. If something seems like it’s changing, set up an appointment
to make sure everything’s ok.
It’s never too
early to set up your next dental exam. Contact us to set up an
appointment, or give us a call at 860-561-2121 today!
Keep smiling,
Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut. She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121
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