TOMIZAWA Yasuko
   Department   Other, Other
   Position  
Article types Original article
Language English
Peer review Peer reviewed
Title Effects of self-assessed chewing ability, tooth loss and serum albumin on mortality in 80-year-old individuals: a 20-year follow-up study.
Journal Formal name:BMC oral health
Abbreviation:BMC Oral Health
ISSN code:14726831/14726831
Domestic / ForeginForegin
Publisher BioMed Central
Volume, Issue, Page 20(1),pp.122
Author and coauthor Nomura Yoshiaki, Kakuta Erika, Okada Ayako, Otsuka Ryoko, Shimada Mieko, Tomizawa Yasuko, Taguchi Chieko, Arikawa Kazumune, Daikoku Hideki, Sato Tamotsu, Hanada Nobuhiro
Publication date 2020/04
Summary BACKGROUND:The association between dental status and mortality in community-dwelling older adults has been documented by several studies. The aim of this study was to analyze the contribution of self-assessed chewing ability, number of remaining teeth and serum albumin levels to mortality and the interactions between the three factors.

METHODS:A 20-year follow-up study was conducted with 666 subjects aged 80 years (from 1996 to 2017) who resided in the 8 areas served by one health center in Iwate Prefecture. Health check-ups including physical fitness measurements were conducted at a meeting place or gymnasium. Medical interview and blood sampling were conducted by physician. Oral examination was examined by dentist. The number of remaining teeth, serum albumin levels, and self-assessed chewing ability were used as predictors of mortality.

RESULTS:Among the 608 subjects (233 men and 375 women) included in this study, only 12 subjects (1.97%) survived after 20 years of follow-up. For men, dental status and serum levels of albumin were significantly associated with mortality. The hazard ratios of self-assessed chewing ability calculated by item response theory analysis and the inability to chew at least one food adjusted for serum albumin and tooth conditions were statistically significant in men. When adjusted by health status evaluated by blood tests, self-assessed chewing ability was statistically significant in men. According to path analysis, self-assessed chewing ability and serum albumin independently affected mortality in men.

CONCLUSION:Masticatory dysfunction may be an important risk factor for mortality in men, even though it was self-assessed. Retaining chewing ability might be a useful predictor of longevity in older male adults.
DOI 10.1186/s12903-020-01113-7
PMID 32316955