Missing teeth associated with increased hospitalization risk among Canadian adults
Oral health is deeply intertwined with general health — and new research from Canada provides compelling evidence of this connection. A study titled “Missing Teeth, Mortality, And Hospitalization: A Population-Based Cohort Analysis From The Canadian Health Measures Survey And Linked Databases” has found that adults with missing teeth face significantly higher hospitalization risks.
The study, based on data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009) linked with death and hospital discharge records, analyzed adults aged 20 to 79 years to explore whether tooth loss could predict hospitalizations and mortality outcomes.
Tooth loss and hospitalization risks
Researchers discovered that participants with five or more missing teeth had a 76% higher risk of all-cause hospitalization and a 120% higher risk of hospitalization for circulatory system diseases compared with those who had no missing teeth. These associations remained even after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, and diabetes.
The findings also revealed that tooth loss was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases, though no significant link was observed for digestive diseases or cancer-related admissions.
Socioeconomic, health factors weaken mortality link
In unadjusted models, missing teeth appeared linked with higher all-cause and cancer mortality. However, these associations lost statistical significance once factors such as socioeconomic status, chronic conditions, and demographics were taken into account.
Oral health as a window into overall health
The study underscores that oral health — particularly tooth loss — may serve as an important indicator of general health and healthcare utilization. Researchers suggest that incorporating oral health indicators into preventive and integrated healthcare frameworks could help identify individuals at higher risk of hospitalization earlier.
Experts emphasize that maintaining good oral hygiene, addressing periodontal disease, and seeking timely dental care may not only preserve smiles but also protect long-term systemic health.
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