Recent research has looked at the potential connection between kidney function and tooth loss in postmenopausal women. The kidneys are a crucial organ, and affect our overall health. Moreover, tooth loss can also be indicative of our overall health. The researchers looked to see if these three areas were all connected.
The Kidneys are a crucial organ that play a big role in the overall health of humans. When kidneys are not functioning properly, serious health problems typically follow.
New research has looked into a possible connection between impaired kidney function and tooth loss. The specific focus is on the potential existence of this connection in postmenopausal women [1].
The findings are interesting, and underline the link between our physical and oral health, which proves how important it is to look after our teeth!
Background
This research involves a few different areas – including the kidneys, tooth loss, and postmenopausal women.
The kidneys play a crucial role in our overall health by removing waste products from the blood. But when foreign elements aren’t removed, then serious life-threatening conditions can result [1].
Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term condition involving impaired kidney function. Possible causes include high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol among other areas [2].
Tooth loss can be caused by various issues – including severe tooth decay, trauma, or extensive gum disease. Tooth loss often causes chewing, eating, and speaking difficulties.
The menopause refers to when women stop getting periods due to lower hormone levels [3]. It normally happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
The menopause is a completely natural event. However, it can cause a range of problems, including low mood, hot flushes, headaches, and muscle aches [3].
The Research
The research was conducted by a team from Chonnam National University in South Korea. Their findings were published in the Menopause journal [1].
To begin with, the team provided context in terms of how the menopause and kidney health are linked – due to something called glomerular filtration [1].
A woman’s glomerular filtration rate shows how well their kidneys are functioning. It is natural for kidney function to decrease following the menopause and associated decline in reproductive hormone levels [1].
The hormone changes often result in abdominal obesity, which is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Moreover, it is also linked to an increased risk of tooth loss [1].
So while there are independent links, the researchers sought to find out if all three areas were connected. To do so, they organised a study that involved almost 65,000 participants [1].
These participants took part in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2010 and 2018. The participants were postmenopausal women aged between 40 and 79 [1].
The women were split into two groups, based on the number of teeth they had. One group consisted of women with 20 teeth or less, and one group with 21 or more [1].
In this research, glomerular filtration rates were assessed, which allowed the team to assess kidney function. Once data on all participants was received, the team analyzed the data [1].
They completed the analysis using multivariate logistic regression. This allowed factors – including age, income, education, smoking, toothbrushing frequency, alcohol intake etc – that could affect the validity of the results being taken into account [1].
Overall, the results showed that glomerular filtration rate is significantly associated with having at least 20 adult teeth. Therefore, this suggests that a connection certainly exists between chronic kidney disease and tooth loss [1].
Summary
The results show that there is a connection between kidney problems and tooth loss. Moreover, postmenopausal women have the highest risk.
In fact, postmenopausal women aged 66 to 79 are worst-affected according to this research [1].
Ensuring that any mineral and bone metabolism disorder is treated successfully is important, as this can help to prevent tooth loss [1].
Dr. Stephenie Faubion – an expert in the field – says that the study proves that “increased attention to oral and bone health is warranted in postmenopausal women with chronic kidney disease” [4].
These findings are important for scientists, doctors, and policy makers to consider. Specifically, the findings can help postmenopausal women with kidney disease whilst avoiding tooth loss.
Thinking points…
[1] This research further underlines the link between physical and oral health. It is very important that you look after your oral health, as it can impact your overall health. A good way of keeping your oral health strong is to attend regular dental appointments. At these appointments, a dentist will be able to review your oral health and provide advice when needed. We recommend that you book an appointment now!
[2] Do you know anyone with chronic kidney disease? If so, you could share this article with them now. The information in this article should hopefully provide them with advice and remind them of the importance of looking after their oral health. You could share the article on your social media accounts now!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Kim, N-Y., Kim, J-E., Choi, C-H., & Chung, K-H. (2024). Chronic kidney disease in postmenopausal women is associated with tooth loss. Menopause. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002375.
[2] NHS. (2023). Chronic kidney disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-disease/. Last accessed: 14th June 2024.
[3] NHS. (2022). Menopause. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/. Last accessed: 14th June 2024.
[4] North American Menopause Society. (2024). New study suggests kidney function is associated with tooth loss in postmenopausal women. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-06-kidney-function-tooth-loss-postmenopausal.html. Last accessed: 14th June 2024.
