Functional tooth unit, periodontal status, and association with weight change in older adults

BACKGROUND: Literature reports that having fewer teeth is associated with reduced chewing capacity, which in turn may lead to weight changes due to diminished oral functionality. This study aims to assess the association between functional tooth units (FTU) and periodontal status and weight change among older adults participating in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (Health ABC). METHODS: This study followed individuals with complete data on weight at years 2 and 6 of Health ABC. Variables included the number of teeth, FTU, and periodontal status, which were considered the primary exposures. The main outcome was a weight change of at least 5% during the follow-up period. Multinomial regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) associated with at least 5% weight change. Independent adjusted models were built for each primary exposure (α < 5%). RESULTS: The study included 903 participants, of whom 231 (25.6%) experienced weight loss and 104 (11.5%) experienced weight gain. No significant association was found between weight loss and any of the exposures (p > 0.05). However, weight gain was associated with clinical attachment loss (CAL), number of teeth (OR: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.94-0.99), FTU/molars (OR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.70-0.98), FTU/posterior (OR: 0.92; 95%CI: 0.84-0.99), and FTU/total (OR: 0.95; 95%CI: 0.91-0.99). CONCLUSION: Tooth loss was associated with weight gain over 4 years. Additional research is needed to uncover underlying mechanisms, including food choice. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Researchers studied how tooth loss and gum health affect weight changes in older adults. They followed participants from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study for 4 years, looking at their teeth, chewing ability, and weight changes. Out of 903 people in the study, 231 (25.6%) lost weight, and 104 (11.5%) gained weight. The results showed that having fewer teeth and poor gum health did not significantly affect weight loss. However, weight gain was linked to tooth loss and gum problems. People with fewer teeth or weaker chewing ability were more likely to gain weight. The study suggests that losing teeth may lead to changes in eating habits that result in weight gain. However, more research is needed to understand how tooth loss affects food choices and overall health.