Tooth Loss Predicts Cardiovascular Disease

A chronic inflammatory disease affecting the teeth and oral tissues, periodontitis has been shown by previous studies to raise the risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease. J.M. Liljestrand, from the University of Helsinki (Finland), and colleagues assessed the correlation between the number of missing teeth and incident cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and all-cause death. Analyzing data collected on 8,446 participants, ages 25 to 75 years, in the National FINRISK 1997 Study with 13 years of follow-up, the team found that more than five missing teeth increased the risk for coronary heart disease events and myocardial infarctions by 140%. More than nine missing teeth indicated an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (51%), diabetes (31%) and death (37%).  Observing that: “Even a few missing teeth may indicate an increased risk of [cardiovascular disease], diabetes, or all-cause mortality,” the study authors submit that: “When individual risk factors for chronic diseases are assessed, the number of missing teeth could be a useful additional indicator for general medical practitioners.”