Periodontitis and Tooth Loss Are Associated With Higher Risks of Cognitive Disorders: A Systematic Umbrella Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: Periodontal disease (PD) and cognitive disorders (CDs) are common in older people, and these variables appear to be linked. The aim of this article was to assess this association using an umbrella meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed and MEDLINE were searched for records until June 2025. The groups were compared using odds ratio (OR) and relative risk (RR). Results: A total of 20 meta-analyses were included. Individuals with PD and its consequences had higher chances of having/developing all-type CDs: periodontitis (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.37–1.97, p = < 0.0001), tooth loss (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.32–1.71, p = < 0.0001). The risk was much higher for patients with severe periodontitis: (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 2.26–3.20, p = < 0.0001). Pooled analysis for cohort studies was (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20–1.32, p = < 0.0001). Conclusion: PD is associated with CDs with low to moderate certainty of evidence measured by GRADE.