Did you know that tooth loss is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia? Well, a group of researchers from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found out through their new analysis that with every tooth lost, the risk for cognitive impairment grows. Their analysis was also published JAMDA: The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. However, during this study, it was also noticed that the risk for cognitive decline was not as significant in adults with dentures. This crucial discovery suggests that prompt teeth replacement with the help of dental prostheses like dentures acted as a protective shield against cognitive decline.

According to the data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six adults aged 65 and above has lost all their teeth. Loss of teeth means a compromised chewing capability which leads to improper nutrition. Consumption of food that is deprived of essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients can lead to changes in the brain, contributing to diminished cognitive function. Prior studies have also supported these new findings and provide a wide range of explanations for the same.

Moreover, advances in medical sciences and a growing amount of research also point towards a connection between gum diseases and tooth loss. In addition, tooth loss can also be a reflection of lower socioeconomic background, which is found to be a risk factor for a decline in cognitive skills.

With a rise in cases of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and the scope for improvement of oral hygiene, it becomes essential to gain a deep insight into the connection between poor oral health and cognitive decline.

The research team ran a meta-analysis using longitudinal studies of tooth loss and cognitive impairment. The meta-analysis included 14 studies that involved 34,074 adults and 4,689 cases of people who had diminished cognitive function.

The result of this analysis showed that adults with more tooth loss had 1.48 times larger risk of developing cognitive impairment and a 1.28 times higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia, even after controlling for other factors. The analysis also comments on how adults with lost teeth were more likely to have cognitive decline if they did not have dentures (23.8 percent) compared to those with dentures (16.9 percent).

Further analysis using a subset of eight studies was done to determine if there was a “dose-response” association between tooth loss and cognitive impairment. To put it simply, the researchers wanted to see if a higher number of missing teeth was associated with a higher risk for cognitive decline. The findings established this relationship by showing that each additionally lost tooth was associated with a 1.4 percent increased risk of cognitive impairment and a 1.1 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia.

In conclusion, we can definitively say that missing teeth are indeed linked to lowered cognitive function. These crucial findings reinforce the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and the role it plays in preserving cognitive function.

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Story Source: Materials provided by New York University.

Journal Reference: Xiang Qi, Zheng Zhu, Brenda L. Plassman, Bei Wu. Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on Tooth Loss With the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 2021; DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.009

DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.