Exploring the Interconnections Between Denture Utilization, Oral Health, and Systemic Inflammatory Response
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Abstract
Objectives
This cross-sectional study investigated the association between tooth loss, denture use, oral health outcomes, and systemic inflammatory responses among older adults aged 60 and above.
Methods
Participants (n=427; median age 68; 60.5% female) were selected using a multistage sampling approach. Data collection involved a WHO-structured questionnaire, oral examinations, and systemic disease assessment via the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Inflammatory markers, specifically IL-6 and TNF-α, were measured. Sociodemographic characteristics, number of missing teeth, and oral health-related quality of life (OIDP) were assessed, with statistical analyses employing Chi-square, non-parametric, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (significance set at p < 0.05).
Results
Findings revealed that the risk estimate for tooth loss was 0.53. Denture use showed significant associations with the replacement of missing lower anterior and posterior teeth (p < 0.0001; p = 0.002, respectively). Participants missing 10-19 teeth were more likely to use dentures (p < 0.0001), while removable denture users reported increased psychological tension (OIDP domain, p = 0.04). Additionally, IL-6 levels were significantly higher in those with greater systemic comorbidity scores (p = 0.04).
Conclusion
The study concludes a notable relationship exists between tooth loss, denture use, and systemic inflammation in older adults. Individuals with extensive tooth loss were more apt to use dentures, especially for lower jaw teeth. Removable denture use correlated with heightened psychological stress, and elevated IL-6 levels were observed in those with higher comorbidity. These insights underscore the importance of monitoring systemic health in older adults with substantial oral health challenges.
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