Association between tooth loss and obesity in Brazilian adults: a population-based study

Carla De Oliveira Bernardo,Marco Aurélio Peres,Karen Glazer Peres,Antonio Fernando Boing,Francisco De Assis Guedes De Vasconcelos

doi:10.1590/s0034-89102012000500010

Carla De Oliveira Bernardo, Marco Aurélio Peres + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0034-89102012000500010

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between tooth loss and general and central obesity among adults. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study with 1,720 adults aged 20 to 59 years from Florianópolis, Southern Brazil. Home interviews were performed and anthropometric measures were taken. Information on sociodemographic data, self-reported diabetes, self-reported number of teeth, central obesity (waist circumference [WC] > 88 cm in women and > 102 cm in men) and general obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m²) was collected. We used multivariable Poisson regression models to assess the association between general and central obesity and tooth loss after controlling for confounders. We also performed simple and multiple linear regressions by using BMI and WC as continuous variables. Interaction between age and tooth loss was also assessed. RESULTS: The mean BMI was 25.9 kg/m² (95%CI 25.6;26.2) in men and 25.4 kg/m2 (95%CI 25.0;25.7) in women. The mean WC was 79.3 cm (95%CI 78.4;80.1) in men and 88.4 cm (95%CI 87.6;89.2) in women. A positive association was found between the presence of less than 10 teeth in at least one arch and increased mean BMI and WC after adjusting for education level, self-reported diabetes, gender and monthly per capita income. However, this association was lost when the variable age was included in the model. The prevalence of general obesity was 50% higher in those with less than 10 teeth in at least one arch when compared with those with 10 or more teeth in both arches after adjusting for education level, self-reported diabetes and monthly per capita family income. However, the statistical significance was lost after controlling for age. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was associated with number of teeth, though it depended on the participants' age groups.

Highlights

Obesity is a public health concern associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
A positive association was found between the presence of less than 10 teeth in at least one arch and increased mean Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) after adjusting for education level, self-reported diabetes, gender and monthly per capita income
The prevalence of general obesity was 50% higher in those with less than 10 teeth in at least one arch when compared with those with 10 or more teeth in both arches after adjusting for education level, self-reported diabetes and monthly per capita family income

Summary

Introduction

Obesity is a public health concern associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Its prevalence is increasing in highincome countries and in medium- and low-income countries.[19]. In Brazil the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased progressively in the four national populationbased surveys conducted between 1974-1975 and 2008-2009. In adults the prevalence of overweight increased from 15.7% to 37.7% in men and from 20.7% to 31.1% in women. During this same period, obesity increased from 2.8% to 12.4% and from 8.0% to 16.9% in men and women, respectively.a. Some studies have shown an association between obesity and tooth loss.[12,14] The most plausible explanation is an association between patterns of food intake with number of natural teeth.

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