Number of Pairs of Natural Teeth, Rather Than Number of Present Teeth, Is Associated With Obesity Among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to associate the number of present teeth and pairs of natural teeth with obesity in older adults (≥ 60 years old).

METHODS

This study used a probabilistic and representative sample from two southern Brazilian cities (Cruz Alta and Veranópolis). Data collection took place at the participants' households. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥ 30Kg/m2. Oral examination was performed by calibrated researchers. Pairs of natural teeth were defined as pairs of antagonistic teeth. Sociodemographic, behavioural, medical, and dental history variables were also collected. Adjusted models were constructed using Poisson, considering different definitions of pairs of natural teeth (α < 5%). Independent analyses were performed for the whole sample and for each city.

RESULTS

The study included 559 individuals. Prevalence of obesity was 29.9%. Number of present teeth was 7.80 ± 8.68, while the total number of pairs of teeth was 2.16 ± 3.92. No significant association was detected between obesity and the number of teeth present (p = 0.254) or total pairs of natural teeth present (p = 0.065). However, for each pair of natural molars, the prevalence ratio (PR) of obesity was reduced by 22% (95% CI: 0.64-0.95). Similarly, for each functional tooth unit present, the PR for obesity was reduced by 4% (95% CI: 0.93-0.99). To the most significant associations, a weak effect size was detected. Similar results were detected in Veranópolis, but no significant association was observed in Cruz Alta.

CONCLUSION

Higher numbers of pairs of natural molars, rather than the higher number of overall natural teeth, are associated with lower prevalence of obesity among older adults.