Researchers at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing analyzed nearly 10 years of data from 27,708 older adults in China, including those with partial or complete tooth loss.
The study found that adults with partial tooth loss who wore dentures had better baseline cognitive function and slower mental decline than those who did not wear dentures. For participants with complete tooth loss, those who wore dentures had higher initial cognitive scores, but there was no difference in the rate of decline.
While the findings suggest a link between denture use and brain health, the authors stress that this does not prove that dentures can directly prevent cognitive decline.
This is not the first study to highlight the link between dental health and cognition. Earlier studies have shown that retaining natural teeth or replacing missing teeth is associated with sharper thinking skills.
The researchers also explored the link between oral health and nutrition. Previous research has shown that having fewer teeth often leads to a lower quality diet, which can contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The study noted that denture wearers consumed more fruit, vegetables, nuts, and milk than non-denture wearers, echoing a 2022 study linking fewer teeth to a lack of dietary diversity.
“These results provide further evidence for the interrelationship between oral health and brain aging and highlight the need to investigate the effects of prosthesis on cognitive health,” the authors concluded.
The findings underscore the importance of oral care and highlight dentures as a potential tool to support dietary habits and mental health in an aging population.
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