Tooth loss and uncontrolled diabetes among US adults

Background. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between tooth loss and uncontrolled diabetes among US adults. Methods. The authors used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2011 through 2018. The sample included 16,635 participants 20 years and older who represent 187,596,215 people in the United States in a probability weighted sample. The authors used bivariate analysis and multiple regressions to analyze factors associated with edentulism and number of missing teeth. Results. The multiple logistic regression model significantly predicted edentulism using diabetes status (adjusted odds ratio controlled diabetes, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.12 to 1.86]; adjusted odds ratio uncontrolled diabetes, 2.26 [95% CI, 1.33 to 3.85]), missing annual dental visits, seeing a dentist only for treatment, family income below 200% of the federal poverty guideline, being female, being 65 years or older, tobacco smoking, and no college education. After controlling for the same covariates, multiple Poisson regression analysis showed that dentate adults with controlled and uncontrolled diabetes had higher relative risk of tooth loss than those without diabetes (adjusted risk ratio controlled diabetes, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.35 to 1.71]; adjusted risk ratio uncontrolled diabetes, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.35 to 1.83]). Conclusions. US adults with uncontrolled (glycated hemoglobin > 9%) and controlled diabetes (glycated hemoglobin < 9%) were more likely to be edentulous and experience tooth loss than adults without diabetes. Practical Implications. US health policy officials should adopt benefits policies to provide regular dental examinations to people who have diabetes, have low income (< 200% of the federal poverty guideline), or are 65 years or older to reduce tooth loss and improve their quality of life. Dentists should work with physicians to help patients control glycemic levels.

Automated summary

This study found that US adults with uncontrolled and controlled diabetes are more likely to be edentulous and experience tooth loss compared to those without diabetes. To reduce tooth loss and improve quality of life, US health policy officials should adopt policies to provide regular dental exams for people with diabetes, low income, or who are 65 years or older, and dentists should work with physicians to help patients control their glycemic levels.