A recent study revealed that postmenopausal women with chronic kidney disease were at a higher risk of tooth loss, particularly those aged 66 to 79.
Published in Menopause, the research highlighted a significant correlation between renal health and dental outcomes in this demographic. Study investigators analyzed data from 64,971 postmenopausal women aged 40 to 79 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010 to 2018). Patients were categorized based on their dental status, specifically the number of teeth present (≥ 20 vs. < 20).
Using multivariate logistic regression, the researchers adjusted for potential confounders, including age, income, education, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, annual oral examination, toothbrushing habits, and the use of oral care products. The primary outcome measure was the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and number of teeth.
The results indicated that postmenopausal women with CKD are more likely to have fewer teeth. The odds ratio (OR) for having 20 or more teeth among women with CKD was 1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.90). Additionally, each 10 mL/min/1.73 m² decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate was associated with a lower likelihood of maintaining 20 or more teeth (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86-0.94). This association was particularly significant in women aged 66 to 79 years (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.05-2.01).
“This study highlights the known link between CKD and bone metabolism. Increased attention to oral and bone health is warranted in postmenopausal women with chronic kidney disease, in addition to meticulous efforts aimed at preserving kidney function,” said Stephanie Faubion, MD, medical director for The Menopause Society.
The authors reported no potential conflicts of interest.