Tooth Loss Linked to Weight Gain Over Time, suggests study
A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that over a 4-year period, tooth loss was linked to increased weight gain.
Pairs of opposing posterior teeth that support efficient mastication and general oral function are known as functional tooth units, or FTUs. The number of functional tooth units in older persons may decrease due to tooth loss and deteriorating periodontal health, which may affect nutritional intake and chewing effectiveness.
Body weight and nutritional status may be impacted by changes in meal selection brought on by poor masticatory skills, which frequently favors softer and less nutritious foods. Functional occlusion is impacted by periodontal disease, a frequent illness in the elderly that further increases tooth movement and tooth loss. Therefore, weight fluctuations in older persons may be significantly influenced by the combined impact of decreased functional tooth units and deteriorated periodontal condition.
Maintaining general health and nutritional balance in the aging population, as well as better managing oral health, depend on an understanding of this link. Thus, among older people taking part in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (Health ABC), this study attempts to evaluate the relationship between functional tooth units (FTU) and periodontal condition and weight change.
This research tracked patients with comprehensive weight data from years 2 and 6 of Health ABC. The number of teeth, FTU, and periodontal condition were deemed main exposures. The primary outcome was a weight change of at least 5% over the follow-up period. The odds ratio (OR) for a weight shift of at least 5% was calculated using multinomial regression. Independent adjusted models were created for each primary exposure (α < 5%).
The research comprised 903 individuals, with 231 (25.6%) losing weight and 104 (11.5%) gaining weight. There was no significant connection between weight reduction and any of the exposures (p > 0.05). However, weight growth was linked with clinical attachment loss (CAL), FTU/molars (OR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.70-0.98), number of teeth (OR: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.94-0.99), FTU/posterior (OR: 0.92; 95%CI: 0.84-0.99), and FTU/total (OR: 0.95; 95%CI: 0.91-0.99).
Overall, the findings indicated that having fewer teeth and poor gum health had no meaningful effect on weight reduction. However, weight increase has been related to tooth loss and gum disease. People with fewer teeth or poorer eating skills were more likely to acquire weight. The study reveals that missing teeth may cause changes in eating patterns that result in weight increase.
Source:
Muñoz, M. S., Pola, N. M., Hilgert, J. B., Hugo, F. N., Pimentel, R. P., Simonsick, E. M., & Muniz, F. W. M. G. (2026). Functional tooth unit, periodontal status, and association with weight change in older adults. Journal of Periodontology. https://doi.org/10.1002/jper.70100
