Total tooth loss and prevalent cardiovascular disease in men and women - Possible roles of citrus fruit consumption, vitamin C, and inflammatory and thrombotic variables

Lowe, G./, Woodward, M., Rumley, A./, Morrison, C., Tunstall-Pedoe, H. and Stephen, K. (2003) Total tooth loss and prevalent cardiovascular disease in men and women - Possible roles of citrus fruit consumption, vitamin C, and inflammatory and thrombotic variables. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 56(7), pp. 694-700. (doi: 10.1016/S0895-4356(03)00086-6)

Abstract

Background and Objective: Tooth loss has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the mechanisms are unclear. We evaluated the association of total tooth loss with prevalent CVD in men and women; as well as with citrus fruit consumption, plasma vitamin C, and inflammatory and thrombotic variables.<br/> Methods: We used an age-and sex-stratified population survey, of men and women aged 25-74 years, in North Glasgow.<br/> Results: Thirty-eight percent of women and 29% of men were edentulous. Total tooth loss was associated with prevalent CVD in both sexes. After adjustment for major potential confounders (age, sex, smoking, and social class), the odds ratio (95% CI) for prevalent CVD was 1.55 (1.13, 2.13) in the edentulous. Total tooth loss was also associated with low citrus fruit consumption and low plasma vitamin C levels, increased plasma C-reactive protein in men, and with increased plasma interleukin-6, fibrinogen, and factor VIII levels in women.<br/> Conclusion: Prevalent CVD is associated with total tooth loss. Possible mechanisms include low intake of citrus fruit, and hence, low plasma vitamin C levels, and a predisposition to low-grade inflammation and thrombosis. It may be prudent to ensure adequate vitamin C intake in people with no teeth.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Rumley, Dr Ann and Lowe, Professor Gordon and Stephen, Prof Kenneth
• Authors: Lowe, G./, Woodward, M., Rumley, A./, Morrison, C., Tunstall-Pedoe, H., and Stephen, K.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine; R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0895-4356