Risk predictors for longitudinal marginal bone loss and tooth loss are not yet fully explained

Abstract

The study population included 513 healthy subjects 0689 (53% female) in Stockholm, Sweden, examined at the beginning and end of a 20-year period. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed0689 in 1970 and again in 1990, by which alveolar bone loss, tooth length, periodontal conditions, and plaque/calculus presence were assessed. Smoking habits, age, and years of education were recorded by interview. The difference in marginal bone loss and the number of 0689 teeth lost in the interim years 1970–1990 were evaluated and statistically analyzed. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to calculate0689 the significance of each variable's contribution to bone or tooth loss. Russell's Periodontal Index at the 1970 baseline and smoking status were significant positive risk predictors for longitudinal marginal bone loss (both P < .001; r 2 = 0.12 ). Marginal bone loss, Russell's Periodontal Index, and Plaque Index, all at baseline, were significant positive risk predictors for tooth loss ( P < .001, P < .001, P = .036 respectively; r 2 = 0.38 ). Age, number of missing teeth, and education, all at baseline, were significant negative risk predictors for tooth loss ( P = .021, P = .003, P = .014 respectively; r 2 = 0.38 ; Tables 4 and 5).