A Preliminary Study of the Relationship between Oral and Vascular Function in the Elderly Population

Abstract

The goal of hard tissue reconstruction in the oral and maxillofacial field is suitable oral function in elderly patients. Recently, some studies have reported an association between cardiovascular diseases and oral function. However, these have not been supported by extensive evidence and further collection of data is needed. This study included 108 residents of Takatsuki City who were 65 years of age or older. Oral environment and function (number of teeth, maximum occlusal force, gummy score, and chewing time), vascular functions (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, baPWV; and ankle brachial pressure index, ABI) were measured. Negative correlations were observed between the number of teeth and baPWV, maximum occlusal force and baPWV, and gummy score and baPWV. A negative correlation was observed between chewing time and rtABI. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that maximum occlusal force had significant negative associations with baPWV (standardized partial regression coefficient (β) = -0.251, p<0.05) after controlling for age. The present study suggested some degree of association between oral function and cardiovascular diseases. A decline in masticatory efficiency may limit the type of foods that can be ingested, leading to changes in dietary habits and associated imbalances in nutritional intake. Furthermore, progression of periodontal disease caused by reduced salivary secretion may influence vascular sclerosis, thus supporting the development of cardiovascular diseases. Further research is needed to determine the causal relationship.