Can the relation between tooth loss and chronic disease be explained by socio-economic status? A 24-year follow-up from the population study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden.

• The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between number of missing teeth and all cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality as well as morbidity and to explore whether socio-economic factors mediate this association. An ongoing prospective cohort study of 1462 Swedish women included a dental survey in 1968/69 with follow-up until 1992/93. The dental examination included a panoramic radiographic survey and a questionnaire. Number of missing teeth at baseline was analysed in a Cox proportional hazards model to estimate time to mortality and morbidity. Number of missing teeth, independently of socio-economic status variables (the husband's occupational category, combined income, and education) was associated with increased all cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality respectively (relative risk (RR): 1.36; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.18-1.58) and (RR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.15-1.85 per 10 missing teeth), but no associations were found for cancer mortality (RR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.91-1.52). The relation between poor oral health and future cardiovascular disease could not be explained by measures of socio-economic status in this study.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adult

Cardiovascular Diseases

epidemiology

mortality

Chronic Disease

Cohort Studies

Diabetes Mellitus

epidemiology

mortality

Female

Follow-Up Studies

Health Services

utilization

Humans

Middle Aged

Morbidity

Neoplasms

epidemiology

mortality

Prospective Studies

Social Class

Sweden

epidemiology

Tooth Loss

epidemiology

Cancer

Women

Socio-economic status

Adult

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)