Tooth Loss Linked to Higher Hypertension Risk in Older Adults: Study
A new study published in Frontiers in Dental Medicine reveals that tooth loss in older adults is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, particularly when missing teeth are not replaced with dentures. Researchers, led by Takafumi Abe, analyzed data from 1,578 Japanese individuals aged 65 and above to explore how oral health may influence systemic conditions like high blood pressure.
The team discovered that participants who experienced tooth loss and did not use dentures had a significantly higher sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio in their urine. Elevated Na/K ratios are recognized as a biomarker for hypertension and cardiovascular risk. Interestingly, older adults who used dentures maintained more balanced Na/K ratios, suggesting that dentures may help preserve proper dietary habits and electrolyte balance.
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