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Aim: To investigate the existence of a bidirectional temporal relationship between periodontal condition and glycaemic status. Materials and Methods: This longitudinal study included 2198 participants with mean age 43.4 ± 7.7 years, who underwent dental examinations in Yokohama, Japan, at two time points, 2003–2004 and 2008–2009, at an interval of 5 years. Periodontal condition was assessed by the mean value of probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Glycaemic status was assessed by fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Results: The cross‐lagged panel models showed the effect of HbA1c at baseline on mean PPD at follow‐up (β = 0.044, p =.039). There was a marginal effect of fasting glucose on the mean PPD (β = 0.037, p =.059). It was similar to the effect of fasting glucose or HbAlc on mean CAL. However, in the opposite direction, no effect of mean PPD or CAL at baseline on fasting glucose or HbAlc at follow‐up was identified. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a unidirectional relationship between glycaemic status and periodontal condition. The study population, however, had mostly mild periodontitis. Future studies are needed to investigate the effect of periodontal condition on glycaemic status in patients with severe periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There is limited evidence of a temporal relationship between periodontal diseases and self‐perceived general health. To plug this knowledge gap, we aimed to assess how periodontal health affects future self‐rated health (SRH). Methods: We collected data from five waves of an annual nationwide Japanese survey of dental patients from 2015 to 2019. The analysis of repeated measurements included 9306 observations from 4242 patients aged 20 years or older. The clinical periodontitis measurements were bleeding on probing, deepest periodontal pocket depth and most severe clinical attachment loss (CAL). We used a self‐administered questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes history, health behaviour, SRH and self‐reported periodontitis. We applied 2‐level ordered logistic regression models for repeated measurements to examine the relationships between SRH (time t) and 1‐year‐lagged periodontal health (time t‐1) after adjusting for covariates. Results: The percentage of SRH responses recorded at time t as 'good', 'moderate' and 'poor' were 36.9%, 52.4% and 10.7%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that the risk of poorer SRH at time t increased in patients with CAL ≥7 mm (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.30), those who reported bleeding gums (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.21–1.46) and those who perceived swollen gums (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.26–1.56) at time t‐1. Sensitivity analyses using the 4‐year follow‐up model and 3‐year‐lagged cohort model also showed consistent results. Conclusion: Periodontitis shows a gradual contribution to future SRH in dental patients, even after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, general health and health‐related behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although statistical associations between tooth loss and cognitive decline have been reported, there are few previous studies on denture wearing. Additionally, it remains unclear whether nutritional status mediates this association. Objective: Our purpose was to test for the hypothesis that the association between the number of teeth and denture wearing with cognitive function is mediated by nutritional status in residents of nursing homes. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 162 participants who required long‐term care (mean age: 87.7 ± 7.5 years, 26 men and 136 women) and were admitted to eight nursing homes in Fukuoka city, from September 2013 to March 2014. A trained dentist conducted dental and swallowing examinations, and the care‐staff assessed nutritional status, comorbid conditions and cognitive function using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Results: Poisson regression analysis showed that 0‐19 teeth without dentures were associated with severe cognitive impairment (CDR 3) (prevalence ratio = 2.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.13‐3.55) after adjustment for sex, age, suspected swallowing dysfunction and comorbid conditions. Mediation analysis confirmed that the nutritional status as a mediator of this association (the percentage mediated effect through nutritional status was 23.1%). Conclusion: There is an association between dental status and cognitive impairment in elder individuals, and dentures and poor nutrition are involved in this association. However, due to the cross‐sectional design of this study, there is a possibility that this association is bidirectional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the longitudinal association between yogurt product intake and oral health in a population‐based study. Materials and Methods: This study included 1967 Japanese residents aged 40–79 years who underwent dental examinations in 2012. Among them, 1469 participants were followed up in 2017 for the incidence of tooth loss, which was defined as two or more teeth lost over 5 years. The intake of yogurt products, defined as yogurt and lactic acid beverages, was estimated using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The composition of the salivary microbiota was evaluated. Results: The Poisson regression model showed that a higher intake of yogurt products was negatively associated with the incidence of tooth loss (p for trend =.020), adjusted for potential confounding factors. Mediation analysis confirmed that periodontal condition partly mediated the effect of yogurt product intake on tooth loss, while dental caries experience did not. Additionally, we confirmed the association of a high intake of yogurt products with a low percentage of the salivary microbiota pattern, which was associated with poor oral health. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the intake of yogurt products is associated with a lower risk of tooth loss resulting from periodontal disease, probably via modulation of the oral microbiome composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to examine whether modifiable risk factors can predict tooth loss over 10 years and estimate population attributable risk (PAR) for a combination of modifiable factors.Methods: This longitudinal study included 1466 participants who underwent dental examinations in 2007 and 2017 and were aged 40 to 79 years at baseline. Periodontal conditions were assessed using the 2018 periodontal classification. Incident tooth loss was defined as ≥4 teeth lost over a 10-year period. We calculated the partial PAR (pPAR%) for tooth loss to estimate the combined effect of modifiable risk factors.Results: Incidence of tooth loss was 17.5%. Directed acyclic graphs were used to identify risk factors for tooth loss. A logistic regression model showed that baseline periodontitis, dental caries experience, no regular dental visit, periodontal treatment, smoking, and obesity were associated with tooth loss after adjusting for covariates; pPAR% was 55.5% (95% confidence interval: 31.1% to 73.0%) in periodontitis Stage III to IV and 87.6% (50.4% to 97.4%) in the combination of all factors, respectively. The sex-stratified analysis showed that smoking and no regular dental visit in men and obesity in women were identified as potential risk factors for tooth loss.Conclusions: Modifiable factors accounted for most cases of incident tooth loss. Risk factors for tooth loss might differ by sex, suggesting that the appropriate approach for preventing tooth loss base on sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is known to develop into liver fibrosis, which increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The association between periodontal condition and fibrotic progression of NAFL is unclear. This study aimed to clarify this longitudinal association. Materials and Methods: Among 4812 participants aged 35–64 years undergoing annual health check‐ups between 2003 and 2004, and follow‐up 5 years later, 392 participants were diagnosed with NAFL. After excluding participants with liver fibrosis at baseline, 341 participants were followed up for 5 years. NAFL disease fibrosis score of ≥−1.455 was used to evaluate the probability of the presence of liver fibrosis. Results: During the follow‐up period, 10.6% of participants progressed to liver fibrosis. A higher clinical attachment level (CAL) tended to be associated with the incidence of liver fibrosis in the logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR] 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–3.49, p =.074). The stratified analysis by obesity revealed a significant association with higher CAL in obese participants (OR 2.87, 95% CI, 1.23–6.69, p =.015), but not in non‐obese participants. Conclusion: Higher CAL was associated with an increased probability of liver fibrosis in obese adults with NAFL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the association between cognitive function and dysphagia risk among Japanese nursing home residents.Background: Reduction in cognitive function can influence the intake of food during swallowing, and may be an aggravating factor in dysphagia.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 236 residents aged ≥60 years from eight nursing homes. Screening of dysphagia, especially aspiration risk, was conducted using the Modified Water Swallow Test, whose scores from one to three were classified as at risk of dysphagia. Cognitive function was evaluated using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Number of teeth and occlusal support were evaluated by clinical examination. The participants were stratified into dentulous and edentulous groups, because the number of teeth could influence swallowing function. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for dysphagia risk based on the scores of MMSE were calculated using logistic regression. Demographic characteristics, activity of daily living, comorbidities, health behaviour and occlusal support were used as covariates.Results: Among the 236 participants (111 dentulous participants and 125 edentulous participants) included in our analysis, 16.9% belonged to risk of dysphagia. Dentulous participants with higher scores of MMSE tended to have significantly lower odds of dysphagia risk after adjusting for covariates (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80-0.96). Despite the lack of significant differences, edentulous participants with higher score of MMSE tended to have lower odds of dysphagia risk (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.83-1.00).Conclusion: Decreased cognitive function may be an independent predictor of dysphagia among dentulous and edentulous adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Severe tooth loss and swallowing dysfunction occur more frequently in dependent older adult populations. Poor oral health and functional status are expected to have a negative impact on general health. We examined whether mortality is related to the number of teeth and swallowing function in dependent older Japanese individuals receiving home care services. Methods: Older adults aged ≥65 years who were receiving home care were included. The planned follow‐up period was 3 years. Baseline data on the number of teeth, swallowing function, nutritional status, cognitive ability and activities of daily living were collected. Results: A total of 259 participants (mean age 85.0 ± 7.7 years) were enrolled. The mean length of follow up was 26.2 months. Severe tooth loss (≤9 present teeth) and swallowing dysfunction were observed in 68.0% and 32.0% of the participants, respectively. Cox's proportional hazards regression model showed that participants with both ≤9 teeth and swallowing dysfunction were at a higher risk of mortality compared with those with both ≥10 teeth and normal swallowing function (hazard ratio 2.89, 95% confidence interval 1.22–6.83). A significant interaction among severe tooth loss, swallowing dysfunction and mortality risk was observed. Conclusions: Severe tooth loss and swallowing dysfunction were associated with increased mortality. The present study suggests that the maintenance of oral health and swallowing function has a positive effect on general health. Therefore, attention should be given to both tooth loss and swallowing function in dependent older adult populations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 873–880. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To examine the effect of toothbrushing on the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including assessment of periodontal status, in middle‐aged adults. Methods: This 5‐year follow‐up retrospective study was performed in 3,722 participants (2,897 males and 825 females) aged 35–64 years who underwent both medical check‐ups and dental examinations. Metabolic components included obesity, elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose and reduced high‐density lipoprotein. Toothbrushing frequency was assessed using a questionnaire. Periodontal disease was defined as having at least one site with a pocket depth of ≥4 mm. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between toothbrushing frequency at the baseline examination and the development of MetS (≥3 components). Results: During follow‐up, 11.1% of participants developed MetS. After adjusting for potential confounders including periodontal disease, participants with more frequent daily toothbrushing tended to have significantly lower odds of developing MetS (p for trend = .01). The risk of development of MetS was significantly lower in participants brushing teeth ≥3 times/day than in those brushing teeth ≤1 time/day (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval = 0.45–0.92). Conclusions: Frequent daily toothbrushing was associated with lower risk of development of MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To clarify the effect of tooth loss on development of all-cause dementia and its subtypes in an elderly Japanese population. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting The Hisayama Study, Japan. Participants Community-dwelling Japanese adults without dementia aged 60 and older (N = 1,566) were followed for 5 years (2007-2012). Measurements Participants were classified into four categories according to baseline number of remaining teeth (≥20, 10-19, 1-9, 0). The risk estimates of the effect of tooth loss on the development of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease ( AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) were computed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results During follow-up, 180 (11.5%) subjects developed all-cause dementia; 127 (8.1%) had AD, and 42 (2.7%) had VaD. After adjusting for potential confounders, there was a tendency for the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of all-cause dementia to increase with decrease in number of remaining teeth ( P for trend = .04). The risk of all-cause dementia was 1.62 times as great in subjects with 10 to 19 teeth, 1.81 times as great in those with one to nine teeth, and 1.63 times as great in those with no teeth as in those with 20 teeth or more. An inverse association was observed between number of remaining teeth and risk of AD ( P for trend = .08), but no such association was observed with risk of VaD ( P for trend = .20). Conclusion Tooth loss is associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia and AD in the Japanese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To examine whether posterior teeth occlusion is associated with functional dependence regardless of the number of natural teeth among Japanese nursing home residents. Methods The present cross-sectional study included 234 residents aged >60 years from eight nursing homes in Aso City, Japan. Functional dependence in basic activities of daily living was measured using the Barthel Index, and the primary outcome was independence for essential personal care (Barthel Index ≥ 60 points). Posterior teeth occlusion was assessed by a dentist using the total number of functional tooth units, depending on the number and location of the remaining natural and artificial teeth on implant-supported, fixed, and removable prostheses. Logistic regression models were used to assess univariate and multivariate associations between the total number of functional tooth units and independence for essential personal care. Models were sequentially adjusted for the number of natural teeth, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health behaviors and comorbidities. Results Independence for essential personal care was found in 14.1% of participants. Greater total numbers of functional tooth units were significantly associated with greater odds of independence for essential personal care (odds ratio 1.12; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.24). The association remained significant after adjustment for the number of natural teeth and other possible confounders (odds ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.29). Conclusions Posterior teeth occlusion was independently associated with functional dependence among nursing home older residents in Japan. The maintenance and restoration of posterior teeth occlusion might be preventive factors against late-life functional decline. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 622-627. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Metabolic syndrome is associated with periodontal disease and dental caries; however, little attention has been given to the association between metabolic syndrome and tooth loss, which is the endpoint of these two diseases. This study examined this association in middle-aged adults over a 5-year period. Methods A retrospective study was performed in 2107 participants (1718 males and 389 females) aged 35-60 years who underwent annual dental check-ups, to evaluate tooth loss and metabolic components, including obesity, elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and reduced high-density lipoprotein. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (≥3 components) at the baseline examination and tooth loss. Results Over a 5-year period, 10.8% of the participants lost at least one tooth. Compared to those with no metabolic components, participants with ≥3 components had an increased risk of tooth loss (odds ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.37), adjusting for age, gender, dental caries experience, attachment loss, oral hygiene status, number of teeth, tooth brushing frequency, smoking, and occupational status. Conclusions Metabolic syndrome was associated with the incidence of tooth loss among middle-aged adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To assess the effectiveness of serum titres of antibody to Porphyromonas gingivalis in the prediction of periodontitis progression in a community-dwelling adult population. Materials and Methods This 4-year follow-up cohort study included 183 Japanese individuals (75 men and 108 women) aged 40-49 years. The clinical attachment level was measured at two sites on all teeth present at baseline and follow-up, and periodontitis progression was defined as progression in attachment loss of ≥3 mm at ≥2 measurement sites. Serum titres of antibody to Porphyromonas gingivalis were evaluated at baseline and served as the primary predictor variable for periodontitis progression. Results Periodontitis progression was found in 8.7% subjects. In a multivariate logistic regression model, higher titres of antibody to Porphyromonas gingivalis and male gender were significantly associated with greater odds of periodontitis progression, even after adjustment for other confounding variables (titres of antibody to Porphyromonas gingivalis per 10 units: odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.36; male gender: odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-14.27). Conclusions Elevated serum titres of antibody to Porphyromonas gingivalis may be a risk factor for periodontitis progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate whether body mass index ( BMI) and oral health behaviour are related to changes in periodontal status in Japanese university students. Materials and Methods Students ( n = 224) who were interested in receiving oral health examinations before entering university and before graduation were included in the analysis. Subjects were investigated regarding the correlations of oral health behaviours and increases in BMI with the percentage of bleeding on probing (% BOP) and Community Periodontal Index ( CPI) scores as indicators of changes in periodontal status. Results The risk of increased % BOP was associated with the non-use of dental floss (adjusted odds ratio [ OR]: 3.11; 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.31-7.37; p < 0.05), whereas the risk of increased CPI score was associated with increases in BMI ( OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.05-3.65; p < 0.05) and simplified oral hygiene index score ( OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.23-4.22; p < 0.01). Conclusion Increases in BMI were associated with worsening of periodontal status, defined as increased CPI score in Japanese university students, whereas lack of inter-dental cleaning was associated with exacerbated gingival bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome ( MS) are more prevalent in males than in females. However, whether there is a gender difference in the association between these health conditions has not yet been investigated. This study examined the gender difference in this association, considering the definition of periodontal disease. Materials and Methods We recruited 1040 males and 1330 females, aged ≥40 years, with at least ten teeth from subjects of the 2007 Hisayama health examination. We performed a logistic regression analysis with various definitions of periodontal disease the dependent variable and MS as the independent variable. Following the analysis, the data were reanalysed with the structural equations model. Results The logistic regression analysis suggested a stronger association between periodontal disease and MS in females than that in males when periodontal disease was more severely defined. When we constructed the structural equations model in each gender, the model showed a good fit to the data of females, suggesting the association between periodontal disease and MS in females, but not in males. Conclusions Gender differences seem to exist in the association between periodontal disease and MS; MS might show a stronger association with periodontal disease in females than in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Malnutrition and cognitive impairment lead to declines in activities of daily living ( ADL). Nutritional status and cognitive ability have been shown to correlate with oral health status and swallowing function. However, the complex relationship among the factors that affect decline in ADL is not understood. We examined direct and indirect relationships among oral health status, swallowing function, nutritional status, cognitive ability, and ADL in Japanese elderly people living at home and receiving home care services because of physical disabilities. Methods Participants were 286 subjects aged 60 years and older (mean age, 84.5 ± 7.9 years) living at home and receiving home care services. Oral health status (the number of teeth and wearing dentures) was assessed, and swallowing function was examined using cervical auscultation. Additionally, ADL, cognitive ability, and nutritional status were assessed using the Barthel Index, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form, respectively. Path analysis was used to test pathways from these factors to ADL. Results The mean number of teeth present in the participants was 8.6 ± 9.9 (edentates, 40.6%). Dysphagia, malnutrition, and severe cognitive impairment were found in 31.1%, 14.0%, and 21.3% of the participants, respectively. Path analysis indicated that poor oral health status and cognitive impairment had a direct effect on denture wearing, and the consequent dysphagia, in addition to cognitive impairment, was positively associated with malnutrition. Malnutrition as well as dysphagia and cognitive impairment directly limited ADL. Conclusions A lower number of teeth are positively related to swallowing dysfunction, whereas denture wearing contributes to recovery of swallowing function. Dysphagia, cognitive impairment, and malnutrition directly and indirectly decreased ADL in elderly people living at home and receiving home nursing care. The findings suggest that preventing tooth loss and encouraging denture wearing when teeth are lost may indirectly contribute to maintaining or improving ADL, mediated by recovery of swallowing function and nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Although self-efficacy is known to affect various health-related practises, few studies have clearly examined how self-efficacy correlates with oral health behaviors or the oral health condition. We examined the relationship between gingivitis, oral health behaviors and self-efficacy in university students. Material & Methods A total of 2,111 students (1,197 males, 914 females) aged 18 and 19 years were examined. The degree of gingivitis was expressed as the percentage of bleeding on probing (% BOP). Additional information was collected via a questionnaire regarding oral health behaviors (daily frequency of tooth-brushing, use of dental floss and regular check-up). Self-efficacy was assessed using the Self-Efficacy Scale for Self-care (SESS). Path analysis was used to test pathways from self-efficacy to oral health behaviors and % BOP. Results In the final structural model, self-efficacies were related to each other, and they affected oral health behaviors. Good oral health behaviors reduced dental plaque and calculus, and lower levels of dental plaque and calculus resulted in lower % BOP. Conclusion Higher self-efficacy correlated with better oral health behaviours and gingival health in university students. Improving self-efficacy may be beneficial for maintaining good gingival health in university students. To prevent gingivitis, the approach of enhancing self-efficacy in university students would be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furuta M, Ekuni D, Takao S, Suzuki E, Morita M, Kawachi I. Social capital and self-rated oral health among young people. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 97-104. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract - Objectives: A few studies have revealed the impact of neighborhood social capital on oral health among young people. We sought to examine the associations of social capital in three settings (families, neighborhoods, and schools) with self-rated oral health among a sample of college students in Japan. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 967 students in Okayama University, aged 18 and 19 years, was carried out. Logistic regression was used to examine the associations of poor self-rated oral health with perceptions of social capital, adjusting for self-perceived household income category and oral health behaviors. Results: The prevalence of subjects with poor self-rated oral health was 22%. Adjusted for gender, self-perceived household income category, dental fear, toothbrush frequency, and dental floss use, poor self-rated oral health was significantly associated with lower level of neighborhood trust [odds ratio (OR) 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40-3.54] and lower level of vertical trust in school (OR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.05-2.80). Low informal social control was unexpectedly associated with better oral health (OR 0.54; 95% CI: 0.34-0.85). Conclusions: The association of social capital with self-rated oral health is not uniform. Higher trust is associated with better oral health, whereas higher informal control in the community is associated with worse oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Being overweight is a risk factor for periodontitis. Unhealthy eating habits, which can induce overweight, may be involved in the development of periodontitis in young people. The present study aims to examine the relationships among overweight, eating habits, and the periodontal condition in Japanese university students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 801 university students (413 males and 388 females; age range: 18 to 25 years). Patients were classified as underweight (body mass index [BMI] <18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (BMI of 18.5 to 22.9 kg/m²), and overweight (BMI ≥23 kg/m²). Students completed a questionnaire including items related to eating habits and underwent oral health examinations. Patients with a community periodontal index (CPI) of 0 to 2 were considered controls, and patients with a CPI >2 were considered to have periodontitis. Results: The prevalence of underweight, normal weight, and overweight patients was 21%, 62%, and 17%, respectively. In overweight patients, the periodontitis risk was increased by the frequent consumption of fatty foods (adjusted odds ratio: 2.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 5.2; P<0.05) and reduced by the frequent consumption of vegetables (adjusted odds ratio: 0.2; 95% confidence interval: 0.1 to 0.7; P<0.01 ). In underweight and normal-weight groups, eating habits did not differ significantly according to the presence of periodontitis. Conclusions: In overweight students, the frequent consumption of fatty foods and infrequent consumption of vegetables were associated with an increased risk of periodontitis. In underweight and normal-weight students, eating habits had little effect on the periodontal condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although many epidemiologic surveys have shown that gingivitis is more prevalent in males than in females, few studies have clearly explained what causes this difference. The objective of the present study is to explain the sex difference in gingivitis based on the interaction between oral health behaviors and related factors, such as knowledge, attitude, and lifestyle, in young people. Methods: The study was comprised of 838 subjects (440 males and 398 females), aged 18 and 19 years. Gingivitis was assessed by the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP). Additional information was collected regarding oral hygiene status, oral health behaviors, and related factors. Structural equation modeling was used to test pathways from these factors to %BOP. Multiple-group modeling was also conducted to test for sex differences. Results: Females had greater knowledge, a more positive attitude, a healthier lifestyle, and higher level of oral health behaviors than males. There were significant differences in the paths (i.e., from lifestyle, knowledge, and attitude to %BOP) through oral health behaviors and oral health status. Conclusions: Sex-based differences in gingivitis in young people can be explained by oral health behaviors and hygiene status, which are influenced by lifestyle, knowledge, and attitude. To prevent gingivitis, different approaches to males and females may be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited research has been reported on the relationship between periodontal status and erythrocyte parameters. In the present study, longitudinal data from health checkups are used to clarify the relationship between periodontal disease progression and changes in parameters of erythrocytes. Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 120 subjects (35 men and 85 women; age range: 30 to 63 years) participated in a comprehensive health screening and dental checkup in 2006 and 2007. Medical examinations, including anthropometric and manometric measurements, blood-chemistry tests, and oral examinations, were performed. Subjects with periodontal disease progression (i.e., the progression group) were defined based on the presence of ≥1 tooth demonstrating a longitudinal loss of periodontal attachment _≥3 mm or tooth loss during the study period. The Wilcoxon signed-rank, χ², Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests and stepwise logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. Results: The progression group comprised 30 subjects. A significant difference between the progression and non-progression groups was observed in changes of erythrocyte counts but not those of the body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, creatinine, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin, hematocrit, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, aspartate and alanine amino-transferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the progression of periodontal disease was associated with a change (year 2007 minus year 2006) of erythrocyte counts (adjusted odds ratio = 0.970; P = 0.009) after adjusting for age at baseline. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the progression of periodontal disease is associated with a decrease in erythrocyte counts in a rural Japanese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The assessment of the risk of tooth loss in patients visiting a dental clinic is important for managing their oral health. In the present study, we examined the risk factors for tooth loss among dental patients. Methods: Data from the 8020 Promotion Foundation Study on the Health Promotion Effects of Dental Care were used in the present study. The study involved 2743 patients who visited a dental clinic in Japan and completed a questionnaire and oral health examination at baseline and at the 2‐year follow up. Tooth‐ and person‐level risk factors for tooth loss during 2 years were subjected to a multilevel multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: In both the person‐ and tooth‐level analyses, age, smoking habit, reason for dental visit, economic status, number of remaining teeth, and periodontal status were significantly associated with tooth loss. In the tooth‐level analysis, tooth type, tooth status, and periodontal status were significantly related to tooth loss. Persons who visited a dental clinic for periodic maintenance had a significantly lower risk of tooth loss than those who visited only to receive dental treatment. Conclusions: Various tooth‐level factors and modifiable factors, such as smoking cessation and periodic maintenance, are important for the suppression of tooth loss in dental patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]