Edentulousness reduces the likelihood of becoming a centenarian: longitudinal observational study
ABSTRACT
Background:
In recent decades, global life expectancy has risen notably to approximately 73.5 years worldwide, coinciding with a rapid growth in the elderly population, which presents a significant public health challenge in promoting healthy aging and longevity.
Objective:
This study aimed to prospectively investigate the link between edentulousness and the likelihood of reaching centenarian status among individuals aged 80 years and older.
Methods:
Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were analyzed. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the relationship between edentulousness and the likelihood of becoming a centenarian. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and disease histories were adjusted as confounding factors. Several sensitivity analyses, including the propensity score matching (PSM) and 2-year lag analysis were conducted to further assess the association between edentulousness and becoming a centenarian. The correlation between natural teeth number as a continuous variable and becoming a centenarian was evaluated as well.
Results:
The study included 4,239 participants aged 80 to 100 years. After adjusting for all covariates, the likelihood for becoming a centenarian increased in the non-edentulous group compared to the edentulous group (OR=1.384, 95%CI 1.093-1.751). The relationship persisted after PSM analyses (OR=1.272, 95%CI 1.037-1.561). The association remained statistically significant after excluding participants with a follow-up duration of less than 2 years (OR=1.522, 95%CI 1.083-2.140). Furthermore, a significant positive association between the number of natural teeth and becoming a centenarian was found after adjusting all covariates (OR=1.022, 95%CI 1.002-1.042), which aligned with the main results of the study.
Conclusions:
The findings revealed that the presence of natural teeth was linked to an increased probability of becoming centenarians, underscoring the importance of maintaining oral health even in advanced age.
Citation
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