Tooth loss and dementia amongst older adults residing in long-term care facilities in Vancouver: A case-control study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this case-control study was to determine the association between dementia and the number of missing teeth, functional occlusal units and denture use in older adults residing in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities. Background: Many studies have shown an association between dementia and tooth loss. However, few studies with a large sample size have been reported describing the relationship between dementia and the number of missing teeth, remaining teeth and functional occlusal units. Methods: An oral health assessment database of 2160 older adults admitted to LTC facilities in Vancouver, Canada, between 2015–2019 was utilised. Participants with a diagnosis of dementia in their medical records (N = 1174) were compared to those without dementia (N = 986). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore a potential association between the number of missing teeth, functional occlusal units and the use of dentures and dementia. Results: The number of remaining teeth (OR = 1.0, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.0–1.0; P =.054) and number of functional occlusal units (OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 1.0–1.0; P =.059) were not associated with dementia after adjusting for age, sex, oral self-care and systemic conditions. Denture use (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.5–2.4; P =.790) was not associated with dementia in edentulous patients. Conclusion: There was no association between dementia and the number of remaining teeth, functional occlusal units or wearing dentures.