Tooth loss without dentures linked to high blood pressure in older adults, says Japanese study
Older adults with missing teeth who don’t wear dentures may face a significantly higher risk of hypertension, according to a new peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Dental Medicine. The findings add compelling evidence to a growing body of research linking oral health with systemic health outcomes, particularly in aging populations.
The study, conducted as part of the Shimane Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE) study in Japan, focused on 842 older adults in Okinoshima Town between 2016 and 2018. Researchers found that individuals with fewer than 20 natural teeth who did not use dentures exhibited a significantly elevated sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio, a known biomarker for hypertension and cardiovascular risk.
In contrast, participants with similar levels of tooth loss who wore dentures maintained healthier Na/K ratios, suggesting that denture use could mitigate dietary imbalances that may otherwise contribute to elevated blood pressure.
Key findings from the study
- Participants without dentures showed a higher Na/K ratio, increasing their risk of hypertension.
- Denture users, even with significant tooth loss, did not show the same elevated risk.
- Sodium and potassium levels were measured using non-invasive spot urine tests.
- Chewing inefficiency due to tooth loss was identified as a potential mechanism affecting nutrient intake and electrolyte balance.
Why the Na/K ratio matters
The sodium-to-potassium ratio is an established indicator of cardiovascular health. A higher Na/K ratio has been associated with increased hypertension risk, particularly in older adults. Oral impairments like missing teeth can impact food choices, leading to lower intake of potassium-rich vegetables and higher sodium consumption from processed or easy-to-chew foods.
“Masticatory function in older adults with fewer than 20 teeth is compromised,” the researchers noted. “This can lead to poor dietary patterns, influencing sodium and potassium intake.”
Dentures may offer broader health benefits
This study aligns with previous research highlighting the health benefits of dentures. A 2023 study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that older adults in China who wore dentures had better cognitive function and experienced slower mental decline compared to non-users.
Future directions
The Japanese researchers have called for large-scale studies and randomized controlled trials to further explore the impact of denture use on dietary patterns and its potential role in reducing hypertension risk. They also emphasized the need to understand socioeconomic and psychological factors, such as education level and social isolation, that may affect oral health behaviors and access to dentures.
Stay informed, stay healthy!
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