Number of Pairs of Natural Teeth, Rather Than Number of Present Teeth, Is Associated With Obesity Among Older Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to associate the number of present teeth and pairs of natural teeth with obesity in older adults (≥ 60 years old). METHODS: . Oral examination was performed by calibrated researchers. Pairs of natural teeth were defined as pairs of antagonistic teeth. Sociodemographic, behavioural, medical, and dental history variables were also collected. Adjusted models were constructed using Poisson, considering different definitions of pairs of natural teeth (α < 5%). Independent analyses were performed for the whole sample and for each city. RESULTS: The study included 559 individuals. Prevalence of obesity was 29.9%. Number of present teeth was 7.80 ± 8.68, while the total number of pairs of teeth was 2.16 ± 3.92. No significant association was detected between obesity and the number of teeth present (p = 0.254) or total pairs of natural teeth present (p = 0.065). However, for each pair of natural molars, the prevalence ratio (PR) of obesity was reduced by 22% (95% CI: 0.64-0.95). Similarly, for each functional tooth unit present, the PR for obesity was reduced by 4% (95% CI: 0.93-0.99). To the most significant associations, a weak effect size was detected. Similar results were detected in Veranópolis, but no significant association was observed in Cruz Alta. CONCLUSION: Higher numbers of pairs of natural molars, rather than the higher number of overall natural teeth, are associated with lower prevalence of obesity among older adults.
DOI: 10.1111/idh.70027
Institutions: Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Universidade de Passo Fundo
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,800
Award: G5168007516
OpenAlex ID: W4417153159