Longitudinal evaluation of periodontitis and tooth loss among older adults

Aim To evaluate pattern of change in periodontal variables and tooth loss in a twelve-year follow-up study of older adults living in Sweden. Methods In a prospective population study of older adults, a clinical examination and radiographic dental examination were performed at baseline (2001-2003) and after 12 years (2013-2015). In 375 individuals, the number and proportion of sites with a distance >= 4 mm and >= 5 mm from cemento-enamel junction to the bone level, the number and proportion of teeth with pockets >= 5 mm and number of teeth lost were calculated. Dental caries was registered. Periodontitis was defined as having >= 2 sites with >= 5 mm distance from cemento-enamel junction to the marginal bone level and >= 1 tooth with pockets >= 5 mm. Results A diagnosis of periodontitis was evident in 39% of the individuals, and 23% of the individuals lost >= 3 teeth over the study period. The proportion of sites with >= 4 mm and >= 5 mm bone loss increased with age, while the proportion of teeth with pockets remained stable. Periodontitis was the strongest predictor for losing >= 3 teeth, OR 2.9 (p .001) in the final model. Conclusions Periodontitis is a risk factor for future tooth loss among older adults.