Number of teeth and chewing satisfaction related to cardiometabolic, vascular diseases and self-perception of health in older adults

Abstract

Aims: To determine the association of chewing satisfaction and number of teeth with cardiometabolic and vascular diseases and self-perception of health (SPH) in the elderly. Methods: An observational and population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with the participating elderly of the Multidimensional Study of Elderly of Porto Alegre (EMIPOA) who responded to a questionnaire about their oral health, which was applied by telephone. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, age range, chewing satisfaction, number of teeth, SPH, coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), diabetes mellitus (DM), Hypertension (SAH) and obesity. Results: There were 251 elderly evaluated averaging on age 72. 5±7. 6 years. The mean number of teeth was 8. 80±8. 91 while chewing satisfaction was reported by 52. 2%. A significant association (P<0. 05) was observed between satisfaction with chewing ability and mean number of teeth, DM and SPH (dissatisfied elderly had a lower mean number of teeth, poor/awful SPH and greater prevalence of DM). A significant association was also observed between mean number of teeth and age range, SPH, CVA, CAD, SAH (lower mean number of teeth in elderly ≥80 years and with fair/poor perception of health and the morbidities described). Conclusions: In the elderly of EMIPOA, oral health was found to be associated with age range, cardiometabolic and vascular diseases and self-perception of healt