Research Underway
The relationship between oral health, diet and systemic health outcomes in the 45 and Up Study Cohort
Investigators:
Dr Manish Arora (PI), Dr Bradley Christian, Associate Professor Wendell Evans, Dr Pathik Mehta and Dr Shanti Sivaneswaran
Project aim(s):
The project will describe the distribution of tooth loss amongst the 45 and Up Study participants as baseline data for future analyses of trends in oral health status and perceptions of oral health. The project will also study the effect of different dietary patterns on tooth loss and whether tooth loss is related to systemic disease. Finally, the project will generate hypotheses for future investigations pertaining to oral health in the 45 and Up Study subjects.
Project status:
Application approved May 2007
Project commenced
Progress to date:
Data from the 45 and Up Study baseline questionnaire are currently being analysed to describe the distribution of self-reported tooth loss within key socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants. The relationships between tooth loss and major lifestyle and social factors, such as tobacco smoking (active and passive) and alcohol intake are also being examined. Preliminary analyses are complete and results show that approximately 11% of Study participants have experienced complete tooth loss (complete edentulism), while approximately 58% have at least twenty natural teeth remaining. Clear differences between different strata of education and income have been observed with higher income and educational attainment consistently associated with increased likelihood of teeth retention. In relation to tobacco smoking status, current and past smokers are more likely to have lost all teeth in comparison to their non-smoking counterparts. Similarly, participants who have been exposed to ‘second-hand’ tobacco smoke at home, work or other places are also more likely to have lost all their teeth. Preliminary analyses are now being expanded to include other lifestyle factors, including physical activity and alcohol intake. One journal paper detailing these results is expected to be submitted for publication by March 2008. Future work will focus on the relationship between tooth loss, diet and systemic conditions.
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