Tooth loss linked to slower walking speed, cognitive decline

Chuck Bednar for redOrbit.com – Your Universe Online
If you’ve ever wondered, “Where on Earth did I put my dentures?” there’s now a scientific reason behind why you did it.
New research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has linked age-related tooth loss with a decline in physical and cognitive ability.
The study was led by experts from the University College London Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, who looked at 3,166 English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) participants over the age of 60 ), and compared their performances in tests of memory and walking speed. The researchers found that those who no longer had any of their original teeth performed approximately 10 percent worse in both exams than those people with teeth.
Furthermore, the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) reported that the association between older UK adults losing all of their natural teeth and having poorer memory and worse physical capabilities within the next decade were more apparent in those between the ages of 60 and 74 than in those who were 75 years of age or older.
“Tooth loss could be used as an early marker of mental and physical decline in older age, particularly among 60-74 year-olds,” lead author Dr Georgios Tsakos explained in a statement. “We find that common causes of tooth loss and mental and physical decline are often linked to socioeconomic status, highlighting the importance of broader social determinants such as education and wealth to improve the oral and general health of the poorest members of society.”
Dr. Tsakos and his colleagues were able to explain the link between total tooth loss and memory after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, existing health problems, physical health, health behaviors (including smoking, drinking and depression) and socioeconomic status. However, even after accounting for all of those factors, those without teeth still walked somewhat more slowly than those who still had their bicuspids and incisors.
“Regardless of what is behind the link between tooth loss and decline in function, recognizing excessive tooth loss presents an opportunity for early identification of adults at higher risk of faster mental and physical decline later in their life,” the doctor said. “There are many factors likely to influence this decline, such as lifestyle and psychosocial factors, which are amenable to change.”
Earlier this month, researchers from the University of Adelaide reported that people who had experienced tooth loss did not necessarily need dentures, as those who had a certain number and type of teeth remaining did not suffer from a reduced quality of life without dental plates.
In technical terms, the researchers said that those patients are considered to have “shortened dental arches,” which means that they still have functional use of many teeth. There is a point at which tooth loss interferes with quality of life, but dentures are only required when patients pass that threshold.
“For years it has been taken for granted that if people experience tooth loss, they will need dentures, bridges, implants or other corrective processes to replace the missing teeth,” explained lead author Dr. Haiping Tan. “What we’ve found is that it really depends on the position of the teeth that have been lost, as well as the number.”
“Most people have 28 adult teeth, plus the four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have significantly less teeth as long as people have them in the right positions and in the right numbers,” she added. “It’s about getting the right balance of biting and cutting teeth at the front of the mouth with enough of the chewing teeth at the back.”
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