Weekly physical activity and incident complete tooth loss among middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the health and retirement study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Whether physical activity is associated with subsequent complete tooth loss remains uncertain. We examined this association among adults aged 45 years or older in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). We studied HRS participants who retained natural teeth in 2006 and assessed incident complete tooth loss in 2012. The fully adjusted sample included 11,147 participants. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), with sequential adjustment for demographic characteristics, smoking and drinking, and chronic conditions. Additional analyses examined activity categories, participant subgroups, and adjustment for body mass index (BMI). Incident complete tooth loss was reported by 643 participants (5.77%) in the fully adjusted sample. Weekly MVPA was associated with lower odds of complete tooth loss (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.62–0.89; P = 0.001). Compared with the low-activity group, the moderate- and high-activity groups had ORs of 0.80 (95% CI 0.66–0.97) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.52–0.81), respectively. There was no statistical evidence of interaction across the examined subgroups. After BMI adjustment, the sample decreased to 4,712 participants, and the estimate was less precise (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56–1.02). Weekly MVPA was associated with lower odds of subsequent complete tooth loss. Residual confounding, incomplete characterization of baseline oral health, and selection associated with missing data limit causal interpretation.
Source: BMC Oral Health
Authors: Yizhen Lin, Qixin Chen, Xiaobo Chen
Institutions: Xiamen Medical College, Xuzhou Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W7225384556