Tooth loss is related to the presence of metabolic syndrome and inflammation in elderly subjects: a prospective study of the vasculature in Uppsala seniors (PIVUS).
OBJECTIVE
To investigate how the number of remaining teeth relates to the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and markers of inflammation.


METHODS
A population-based prospective investigation of the vasculature in Uppsala seniors (PIVUS) study was carried out on 1016 subjects, aged 70.


RESULTS
The number of teeth was self-reported in 947 subjects and was found to be less in those with MetS using National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP Ill) criteria (n = 219, mean 17.7 +/- 9.0 [SD]), compared with n = 728, mean 20.7 +/- 7.2 in those without MetS (p < 0.0001), and in proportion to the number of criteria fulfilled (p < 0.0001). The number of teeth was also inversely related to markers of inflammation (r = -0.15, p < 0.0001 for leukocyte count; r = -0.10, p = 0.0023 for C-reactive protein). In a multiple regression analysis, the presence of MetS, smoking, educational level, leukocyte count and height were independent predictors of the number of teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to established risk factors for tooth loss, the presence of MetS and inflammation were independent predictors of the number of teeth in an elderly population.
Holmlund
Anders
A
Department of Periodontology, The Gävle County Hospital, Sweden. anders.holmlund@lg.se
Hulthe
Johannes
J
Lind
Lars
L
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications*; D007962:Leukocytes; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000150:complications*
D002097:C-Reactive Protein