Improvement of oral health and hygiene may help mitigate inflammation: study
According to a new study, significant tooth loss was associated with higher systemic inflammation. Flossing, an important oral hygiene behaviour, may contribute to reducing this inflammation. The study findings highlight the importance of improving oral health and oral hygiene practice to mitigate inflammation. Further an association exists between inflammation and oral health and diabetes.
The study has been published in the International Dental Journal.
The aim of this research was to assess the association between inflammation and oral health and diabetes, as well as the mediating role of oral hygiene practice in this association.
Data were from the 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The analytical sample consisted of 2,191 respondents aged 50 and older. Poor oral health was clinically defined by significant tooth loss (STL) and periodontal disease (PD). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was determined by glycemic levels. The outcome variable was serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, dichotomised as ≥1 mg/dL (elevated CRP) vs <1 mg/dL (not elevated CRP). Two path models, one using significant tooth loss and Diabetes mellitus as the independent variable, the other using periodontal disease and Diabetes mellitus as the independent variable, were estimated to assess the direct effects of having poor oral health and Diabetes mellitus on elevated C-reactive protein and the mediating effects of dental flossing.
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