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Tobacco use: A modifiable risk factor for dental disease among the elderly

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  • Jette, A.M.
  • Feldman, H.A.
  • Tennstedt, S.L.

Abstract

Objectives. Because the public health literature contains few analytic studies of modifiable behavioral risk factors for dental disease among older community-dwelling populations, the New England Elders Dental Study was undertaken as an epidemiologic study of the oral health status of a representative sample of older adults living within the six New England states. Methods. Five dentists conducted comprehensive in-home oral health examinations on 1156 community-dwelling adults aged 70 and older to determine whether lifetime use of tobacco products was a significant risk factor for tooth loss, caries, and periodontal disease. Results. Among New England elders, tobacco use was more common among men (18.1%) than women (7.9%), with a combined rate of 12.3%. Further, 64.7% of men and 36.6% of women were previous tobacco users. Years of exposure to tobacco products was a statistically significant risk factor for tooth loss, coronal and root caries, and periodontal disease, regardless of other social and behavioral factors. Conclusions. Lifelong tobacco use is a modifiable risk factor for poor dental health among older adults. Dental practitioners need to intervene with all their adult patients to discourage use of tobacco products for oral as well as general preventive health care.

Suggested Citation

  • Jette, A.M. & Feldman, H.A. & Tennstedt, S.L., 1993. "Tobacco use: A modifiable risk factor for dental disease among the elderly," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 83(9), pages 1271-1276.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1993:83:9:1271-1276_5
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    Cited by:

    1. Christian Salas, 2002. "On the empirical association between poor health and low socioeconomic status at old age," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 11(3), pages 207-220, April.

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