Association of tooth location, occlusal support and chewing ability with cognitive decline and incident dementia

Abstract

AimEmerging evidence suggests association of tooth loss with impaired cognition. However, the differential effects of anterior versus posterior tooth loss, occlusal support loss and chewing ability are not considered comprehensively.Materials and MethodsWe conducted cross‐sectional (N = 4036) and longitudinal analyses (N = 2787) on data from Health 2000 and 2011 Surveys for associations of posterior occlusal support loss, anterior versus posterior tooth loss, and chewing ability with baseline cognition and 11‐year cognitive decline. Additionally, 15‐year incident dementia risk was investigated (N = 4073).ResultsAfter considering relevant confounders and potential reverse causality bias, posterior occlusal support loss significantly increased dementia risk across all categories indicative of posterior occlusal support loss (hazard ratios [HRs] between 1.99 and 2.89). Bilateral inadequate posterior occlusal support was associated with 11‐year decline in overall cognition (odds ratio [OR] = 1.48:1.00–2.19), and unilateral inadequate posterior occlusal support with total immediate (OR = 1.62:1.14–2.30) and delayed recall decline (OR = 1.45:1.03–2.05). Moreover, posterior tooth loss was associated with dementia (HR = 2.23:1.27–3.91) and chewing ability with total immediate decline (OR = 1.80:1.04–3.13).ConclusionsPosterior tooth and occlusal support loss significantly increases dementia risk. The impact of posterior occlusal support loss appears to be dose‐dependent, and this effect is distinct from that of dentures. Dental healthcare services should be particularly attentive to the state of posterior dentition. Further studies exploring possible mechanisms are warranted.

Unilateral Molar Incisor Hypomineralization influences the chewing side? An observational study in children

“…On the other hand, unilateral chewing may be related to various health problems, such as decreased hearing and ophthalmic issues [13,34]. Severe patterns of MIH often lead to tooth extraction, and recently, the loss of masticatory sensory stimulation related to posterior tooth loss/occlusion pair loss is associated with cognition loss, and even with dementia [35]. Although these more severe repercussions are more common in adults and the elderly, the ndings of the present study may serve as a warning to the dental community regarding another focus of attention in the speci c care of children with unilateral MIH.…”