The impact of tooth loss on cognitive function

doi:10.1007/s00784-021-04318-4

★ Alto impactoQ1 · DentistryImpact Factor · 3.783

AutoresPablo Galindo-Moreno, Lucía López-Chaichío, Miguel Padial-Molina, Gustavo Avila-Ortiz, Francisco O'Valle, Andrea Ravidà, Andrés Catena

Por qué importa

Este estudio profundiza en la posible relación entre la ausencia total de dientes (edentulismo) y el deterioro cognitivo, analizando datos de más de cien mil individuos. Se buscó evidencia epidemiológica más allá de estudios previos de menor escala. Los resultados sugieren que el edentulismo, junto a factores como la edad, el nivel socioeconómico y la salud mental, se asocia significativamente con problemas de memoria y concentración. La cantidad de dientes presentes en la boca también mostró una correlación inversa: a menor número de dientes, mayor riesgo de declive cognitivo. Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de la salud bucodental para el mantenimiento de las funciones cognitivas y resaltan el papel del odontólogo en la promoción de la salud oral para preservar estas capacidades esenciales.

Abstract original

Objective: To investigate if there is epidemiological evidence of an association between edentulism and cognitive decline beside that currently available from limited sample-sized case series and cross-sectional studies considering limited co-variables. Materials and methods: Data from two USA national health surveys [NHIS 2014–2017 and NHANES 2005–2018] were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression to study the impact of type of edentulism and number of remaining teeth on memory and concentration problems. Age, gender, socioeconomic status, education level, cardiovascular health index, body mass index, exercise, alcohol, smoking habits, and anxiety and depression were used as covariates. Results: The combined population sample was 102,291 individuals. Age, socioeconomic status, educational level, anxiety and depression levels, and edentulism showed the highest odds ratios for cognitive decline. Number of teeth present in the mouth was found to be a predictor of cognitive status. This association showed a gradient effect, so that the lower the number of teeth, the greater the risk of exhibiting cognitive decline. Conclusions: Edentulism was found among the higher ORs for cognitive impairment. Clinical relevance: Maintenance of functional teeth through the promotion of oral health may contribute to the preservation of memory/concentration and other essential cognitive functions.

Leer texto completo ↗DOI · 10.1007/s00784-021-04318-4

Autor Doctor&Cols

Lucía López Chaichío
Rehabilitación Oral y Estética Dental

Cómo citar

Galindo-Moreno P, López-Chaichío L, Padial-Molina M, Avila-Ortiz G, O'Valle F, Ravidà A, et al. The impact of tooth loss on cognitive function. Clinical Oral Investigations. 2022. doi:10.1007/s00784-021-04318-4