The Number of Teeth Is Inversely Associated With Metabolic Syndrome: A Korean Nationwide Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Objectives of this research are to determine the relationship between number of natural teeth and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a representative sample of the Korean population.

METHODS: From the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 13,066 participants aged >19 years. The number of teeth was assessed by clinical oral examination. MetS was defined based on the joint interim statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between number of teeth and MetS adjusted for the following criteria: 1) age; 2) sex; 3) income; 4) education; 5) toothbrushing frequency; 6) periodontitis; 7) smoking; 8) drinking; 9) physical activity; and 10) diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS: The number of existing permanent teeth was inversely associated with MetS after controlling for all confounders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04 to 1.36 for 20 to 27 teeth; AOR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.67 for 0 to 19 teeth). Association between fewer teeth and MetS increased for individuals aged ≥40 years and for women.

CONCLUSION: The number of teeth found is inversely proportional to occurrence of MetS.