Edentulism, defined as the complete loss of natural teeth, represents a significant indicator of oral health disease burden. This condition accumulates the effects of various oral diseases, substantially impacting quality of life, self-esteem, and nutritional status. Particularly prevalent among the elderly, edentulism has been linked to numerous health issues. Research indicates a higher prevalence of edentulism correlates with increased rates of depression in middle-aged and elderly populations. In China, individuals aged 45 and older show that edentulism is associated with an elevated risk of chronic diseases, including memory disorders, hypertension, emotional disturbances, strokes, and heart disease. Beyond being a health risk, edentulism poses a global public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where prevalence rates range from 2.9% to 15.3%. The Fourth National Health Epidemiology Survey conducted in 2017 revealed that 4.5% of individuals aged 65–74 were edentulous, compared to 6.8% in 2007 and 10.5% in 1998. Despite a declining prevalence, the absolute number of edentulous patients continues to rise due to an aging population. According to United Nations projections, the proportion of Chinese citizens over 60 is expected to increase from 12.4% in 2010 to 28.1% by 2040. This demographic shift underscores the need for effective measures to prevent edentulism and promote oral health in older adults.
The World Health Organization defines physical activity as any movement produced by skeletal muscles that necessitates energy expenditure, encompassing various categories such as occupational, sports, conditioning, household, and other activities. The volume of physical activity is derived from the product of intensity and duration, linking these two aspects intrinsically. Physical inactivity is identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and is among the most prevalent modifiable disease risk factors. Numerous studies over the past few decades have affirmed the positive effects of physical activity on managing various chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary artery disease. Particularly in older adults, regular physical activity enhances quality of life, physical function, and independence in daily activities. Therefore, sustaining physical health, avoiding illnesses, and ensuring an adequate level of physical activity are vital for the well-being and quality of life of older individuals.
Research has begun to explore the connection between physical activity and oral health. A cross-sectional study utilizing NHANES databases indicated that higher overall physical activity levels corresponded to a reduced prevalence of periodontal disease and lower sedentary behavior. Additionally, evidence suggests a negative correlation between physical activity and the presence and severity of periodontitis, with this relationship being notably significant in females. Other studies have shown that leisure physical activity can mitigate the excessive inflammatory response associated with periodontitis. However, most existing research has focused on periodontitis, leaving a gap regarding the relationship between physical activity and edentulism, which is often seen as the most severe outcome of periodontitis progression.
Despite edentulism being a prevalent condition among middle-aged and elderly individuals, there is currently no research investigating the relationship between physical activity levels and edentulism in this demographic. While physical activity is recognized for its benefits in managing chronic diseases, its potential role in preventing or alleviating edentulism remains unexplored. Our study aims to fill this gap by investigating whether physical activity can decrease the incidence of edentulism and, if so, to determine the optimal activity levels necessary for achieving this effect. Given the growing elderly population and the increasing importance of oral health maintenance, it is crucial to propose straightforward, practical strategies to prevent oral diseases like edentulism, which can severely impact quality of life. By examining the association between physical activity and edentulism, our study seeks to provide valuable insights for enhancing oral health care for middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Related topics:
