Tooth loss and Atherosclerosis

Objective: To evaluate the association between atherosclerosis and tooth loss in adults. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies conducted in individuals aged 18 years or older with atherosclerosis. The literature search employed controlled and uncontrolled vocabulary in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS databases. Two reviewers independently assessed titles, abstracts, and full texts, followed by the extraction of relevant data. The information was narratively synthesized, and the methodological quality was assessed. The results of the meta-analysis were presented in forest plots, using mean differences and odds ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Thirteen studies were selected for qualitative analysis and 12 for quantitative analysis. On average, individuals with atherosclerosis experienced significantly greater tooth loss, with 2.78 teeth lost (95% CI: 1.59–3.96), compared to those without the disease. However, the researchers observed no statistically significant association between atherosclerosis and the presence of severe tooth loss (OR 1.29; 95% CI: 0.76–2.17). The methodological quality assessment revealed a low risk of bias. Conclusions: The evidence confirmed an association between tooth loss and atherosclerosis.