The evidence on the association between oral health and mortality is inconclusive and few studies have accounted for nonrandom selection bias in estimating their relationship.
Materials and methods
In a study, conducted by Yu et al, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the authors investigate the link between oral health and mortality in community-dwelling older adults by adjusting for confounding factors with a doubly robust survival estimate.
Data were from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) and were linked to National Mortality Index data through December 2015. The analytic sample consisted of 4880 adults aged ≥60 years. Oral health measures included objective clinical indicators (edentulism, periodontitis, and untreated dental caries) and a self-assessment of oral health.
Cox proportional hazards regression and inverse probability weighting models with regression adjustment for the observational estimate of survival time were used to evaluate the relationship between oral health and mortality. The analyzes were conducted in 2021.
Results
Edentulism (mean treatment effect = -26.13, 95% CI = -48.69, -3.57) was associated with decreased survival time.
Periodontal conditions and dental caries were related to all-cause mortality in the Cox models, but became nonsignificant when inverse probability weighting was applied with the regression-adjusted survival estimate.
Conclusions
Good self-rated oral health was significantly related to increased survival time (mean treatment effect = 21.50; 95% CI = 4.92, 38.07).
The study therefore shows that both objective and subjective oral health are risk factors for mortality among the elderly. Improving access to dental screening and treatment among community-dwelling older adults has the potential to reduce oral health-related mortality risks.
Market 29 November 2024
In financial markets, the butterfly effect is not uncommon—a phenomenon where small changes in conditions can lead to significant long-term variations in a system's behavior.
Oral Hygiene & Prevention 30 July 2024
Studies have investigated the relationships between chronic systemic and dental conditions, but it remains unclear how such knowledge can be used in clinical practice
Editorials 25 March 2024
Study Shows Correlation Between Self-Reported Oral Health and Systemic Health Outcomes
Looking at multiple dental health conditions and behaviors paints a clearer picture of long-term health and mortality.
Periodontology 20 December 2023
Although the studies currently available are heterogeneous and limited, the link between a very strict diet and beneficial effects on gum health has been demonstrated.
Oral pathology 13 June 2022
The correlation between the quality of oral hygiene and oral HPV infection in adults
Aim of the study was to detect a possible association between the objectively determined quality of oral hygiene and the presence of oral HPV. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this perspective...
The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ suggests that a reduction in the microbial exposure due to improved health measures has contributed to an immunological imbalance in the intestine and increased the...
Editorials 14 February 2025
Lay Soon and Elissa Elmorr each took first place in the Graduate Trainee and Dental Predoctoral Oral Presentation competitions respectively at the 2025 School of Dentistry Research Day on Wednesday.
vVARDIS, a Swiss high-growth dental company, and OrbiMed, a leading healthcare investment firm, recently announced the closing of a $35 million financing.
News 14 February 2025
Greenland Advanced Oral Care is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Eryn Huber to its expert dental team.
News 14 February 2025
Torch Dental and the Sacramento District Dental Society Partner for Smarter Procurement
Torch Dental, a pioneering technology platform specializing in dental supply management, ordering, and budgeting, is thrilled to partner with the Sacramento District Dental Society (SDDS), an...