Abstract
One in five elders in the U.S. are edentulous. Tooth loss and edentulism interfere with nutritional intake and quality of life. Although selected chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes) have been identified as possible risk factors for edentulism, data on multiple chronic conditions in relation to tooth loss is lacking. This study examined the association between major chronic conditions and tooth loss in the older US population. We performed a secondary data analysis 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey restricted to persons aged ≥65y. Tooth loss was categorized into four groups (no loss, lost 1–5 teeth, lost ≥6 teeth, and edentulous). Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used. Sample weights were applied to derive population estimates. Among the 112,376 respondents, average age was 74y and 60% were women. We found that 27% reported no tooth loss and 15% were edentulous. Adjusted for sociodemographics and behavioral characteristics, chronic diseases associated with edentulism were: COPD (RR 1.95, 95%CI 1.68–2.26); cardiovascular disease (RR 1.44, 95%CI 1.26–1.64); arthritis (RR 1.31 95%CI 1.19–1.44); diabetes (RR1.14, 95%CI 1.02–1.28); and kidney disease (RR1.21, 95%CI 1.00–1.45). Cancer, stroke and asthma were not associated with edentulism. Also, older adults with two or more chronic diseases were more likely to have tooth loss (lost 1–5 teeth: OR1.12, 95%CI 1.04–1.19; lost≥6 teeth: OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.40–1.63); Edentulous: OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.40–1.68). Further research is needed to understand the relationship between chronic conditions and tooth loss in older adults. Interventions are needed to improve oral care and reduce risk for tooth loss.