Research has established a clear association between cognitive function and tooth loss when cognitive function score was categorised into quintiles. Silvers with poor cognitive function were found to have impaired oral health and higher risk of tooth loss later. The study, published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, showed that people in the lowest quintile reflecting poorer cognitive function had 39 per cent higher odds of tooth loss than those in the highest quintile. The study included 4,416 people aged 50 years and above. According to previous studies, silvers with just 10-19 teeth are at a higher risk of malnutrition in addition to higher rates of weight loss and lower appetite. They are also at increased risk for dementia and/or depression.
 

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April 2019