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Lookup NU author(s): Eftychia KotroniaORCiD, Dr Heather BrownORCiD, Professor Sheena Ramsay
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Preventing deterioration of oral health in older age can be crucial for survival. We aimed to examine associations of oral health problems with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and respiratory mortality in older people. We used cohort data from the British Regional Health Study (BRHS) (N=2147, 71-92 years), and the Health, Aging and Body Composition (HABC) Study (USA) (N=3075, 71-80 years). Follow-up was 9 years (BRHS) and 15 years (HABC Study). Oral health comprised tooth loss, periodontal disease, dry mouth, and self-rated oral health. Cox regression was performed for all-cause mortality, competing risks for CVD mortality, and accelerated failure time models for respiratory mortality. In the BRHS, tooth loss was associated with all-cause mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR)=1.59, 95%CI 1.09, 2.31). In the HABC Study, tooth loss, dry mouth, and having ≥3 oral problems were associated with all-cause mortality; periodontal disease was associated with increased CVD mortality (Subdistribution Hazard Ratio (SHR)=1.49, 95%CI 1.01, 2.20); tooth loss, and accumulation of oral problems were associated with high respiratory mortality (tooth loss, Time Ratio (TR)=0.73, 95% CI 0.54, 0.98). Findings suggest that poor oral health is associated with mortality. Results highlight the importance of improving oral health to lengthen survival in older age.
Author(s): Kotronia E, Brown H, Papacosta AO, Lennon LT, Weyant RJ, Whincup PH, Wannamethee SG, Ramsay SE
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2021
Volume: 11
Online publication date: 12/08/2021
Acceptance date: 02/08/2021
Date deposited: 13/08/2021
ISSN (electronic): 2045-2322
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95865-z
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95865-z
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