Tooth retention, independence among older individuals

Retaining more teeth in older age could extend the lifespan, according to a news article from Oral Health.

In a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, investigators examined the relationship between tooth loss and health expectancy among more than 3,000 participants from a Singaporean population-based cohort study of adults aged 60 years and older.

The investigators found that the participants who had 20 to 32 teeth and did not use dental prostheses lived several years longer without experiencing limitations in their daily activities or physical function. Those with dental prostheses also experienced benefits with more teeth. The differences were most pronounced among male participants and those who had lower levels of educational attainment.

The investigators emphasized that having more teeth and undergoing prosthetic rehabilitation could be associated with greater independence in older age.

Read more: Oral Health

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