Oral Health and Heart Health: Understanding the Connection
A recent study by the New Case Western Reserve University published in the Journal of Endodontics has revealed a significant link associated with chronic heart disease and loss of teeth.
Introduction
Oral health and dental hygiene have been given extreme importance for ages; however, now they must be regarded with even more diligence, not only for a radiant smile but for a healthy heart as well. Researchers have revealed an association between increased risk of death from chronic heart disease and tooth loss.
According to Anita Aminoshariae, a professor and the lead researcher of the study, the cause has not been established, and the link is a ‘predictive factor of risk.
The Aim of the study
The Study aimed to explore the link between mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and tooth loss.
Methods
- Researchers used several databases for literature searches including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and other digital repositories that included studies associated with CVD mortality and tooth loss.
- Researchers performed sub-group analysis, meta-analysis, regression, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias.
Results of the study
- Subgroup Analysis
- The consistent study results found that the risk of dying from chronic heart disease was much higher for people with no teeth.
- The findings also reveal that risk was also higher for people who have 10 or less than 10 teeth left.
- Other Findings
- People who have lost most of their teeth face a 66% higher risk of dying from heart-related diseases compared to those who don’t.
- The results of the studies differed, but they ultimately led to significantly similar conclusions.
- Publication bias was not detected, and sensitivity analysis revealed that tooth loss is a risk factor for mortality from heart-related diseases.
Conclusion
The study confirmed that having less than 10 teeth or being edentulous can be a predictive risk factor or indicator of mortality due to heart-related diseases. The study highlights the importance of oral hygiene not just for dental well-being but also for heart health. CVD is considered to be the leading cause of death by the American Heart Association, and this link between tooth loss and CVD mortality stresses the importance of oral hygiene and heart health. This study also emphasizes the importance of getting regular dental checkups and diligently taking care of overall health to reduce the risk of developing fatal heart-related diseases.
Sanika Pande
Reviewed by Dr. Anjali Singh
