Association between multiple long-term conditions and tooth loss among middle-aged and older Indians: A population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health, though linked with overall health and well-being, is often neglected in low- and middle-income countries such as India. Tooth loss, primarily caused by dental caries and periodontal disease, has been associated with malnutrition, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even mortality. Despite the increasing burden of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs), limited research in India has explored the association between tooth loss and MLTCs. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of complete tooth loss and assessed its association with MLTCs using nationally representative data from the second wave of the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE).

Methods: The study utilized data from the second wave of SAGE conducted in 2015 in India. Data collection covered six states using a multistage stratified sampling approach. MLTCs were defined as the co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions, assessed via self-reported diagnoses and clinical measurements. The analysis included 7,595 participants aged ≥45 years. Statistical analyses were conducted using weighted estimates and logistic regression models.

Results: The prevalence of loss was 12%, while 25.1% of individuals had MLTCs. Among those with MLTCs, 15.4% experienced tooth loss. Tooth loss was significantly associated with MLTCs and ageing. The likelihood of tooth loss was higher in individuals with MLTCs [AOR: 1.30 (95% CI: 1.06-1.59), p-value: 0.012].

Conclusion: Tooth loss and MLTCs were found to be associated among adults aged ≥45 years in India, emphasizing the need to integrate oral health into chronic disease management strategies.