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. Tooth loss can impair chewing ability, leading individuals to prefer softer, processed foods that are often higher in sodium and lower in potassium. Over time, this dietary shift could contribute to an unhealthy electrolyte balance and increased blood pressure. The study’s findings emphasize that maintaining oral functionality, even through the use of dentures, plays a crucial role in preventing dietary imbalances and associated systemic health risks. The researchers advocate for greater awareness among healthcare providers and policymakers about the interconnectedness of dental and cardiovascular health. Encouraging the use of dentures and promoting comprehensive oral healthcare in aging populations could become key strategies in hypertension prevention. This study adds to growing evidence that oral health should be integrated into general health strategies, especially for older adults, to enhance overall well-being and longevity.
Reference:
Abe, T., et al. (2025). Association between Tooth Loss and Sodium-to-Potassium Ratio in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. Frontiers in Dental Medicine. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdmed.2025.1479896/full
Keywords:
Tooth Loss, Linked, Higher Hypertension, Risk, Older Adults, Study, tooth loss, dentures, sodium/potassium ratio, hypertension, older adults, oral health, dietary patterns, electrolyte imbalance, blood pressure, dental medicine, Abe, T.
