The link between the number of teeth (as an indicator of oral health) and the incidents of cardiovascular-related deaths is investigated in a study sample of 7,674 males and females.

1. Periodontist NYC Study: Number of Teeth as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Mortality in a
Cohort of 7,674 Subjects Followed for 12 years
The link between the number of teeth (as an indicator of oral health) and the incidents of
cardiovascular-related deaths is investigated in a study sample of 7,674 males and females.
Periodontist NYC Study: Comparing Oral Health with Cardiovascular Mortality
The relationship between oral health and the development of different cardiovascular disorders,
such as cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure is evident in a
great number of reported cases and periodontist NYC studies. In fact, poor oral health is reported
to account for greater cardiovascular-related deaths than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, age
and gender. This particular periodontist NYC study investigates if different parameters of oral
health, as reflected by the number of healthy remaining teeth, are associated with future mortality
in different cardiovascular disorders in a dose-dependent manner.
Periodontist NYC Study: Methodology
For the purpose of this research, a total of 7,674 subjects, ages ranging between 20 and 89 years,
were recruited consisting of:
● 3,300 males and
● 4,374 females
The subjects received a dental examination by periodontist NYC specialists between the sample
years of 1976 and 2002 (a total of 26 years). The following variables were evaluated in relation
to cause of death:
● The number of remaining teeth,
● The severity of periodontal disease,
● The number of deepened periodontal pockets, and
● The extent of bleeding on probing.
Periodontist NYC Study: Research Findings
During a median follow-up period of 12 years by a periodontist NYC, of the 7674 subjects
involved in the study, 629 died and the following observations made:
● In 47.5% (299) of the subjects, the cause of mortality was cardiovascular disease (CVD)
● In 26.6% (167) of the subjects, the cause of mortality was coronary heart disease (CHD);
● In 13.2% (83) of the subjects, the cause of mortality was stroke; and
● In 7.8% (49) of the subjects, the cause of mortality was aortic aneurysm or congestive
heart failure.
So, in review, the causes of death for 330 subjects (of the 629 that died) were other than
cardiovascular disease. After adjustment for age, gender and smoking, the number of remaining
teeth was seen to predict, in a dose-dependent manner, all-cause mortality and mortality in
cardiovascular disease and in coronary heart disease, but not mortality from stroke. Appropriate

2. periodontist NYC statistical analysis revealed a seven-fold increased risk for mortality from
coronary heart disease in subjects with <10 teeth compared to those with >25 teeth. The severity
of periodontal disease, number of deepened periodontal pockets and bleeding on probing were
not related to mortality in a dose-dependent manner after adjustment for confounders.
Periodontist NYC: Research Conclusions
This fairly large, prospective study with a long follow-up period presents for the first time a
dose-dependent relationship between number of teeth and both all-cause and cardiovascular
disease mortality. The significant findings of this periodontist NYC study indicate a clear link
between oral health and cardiovascular disease, and that the number of teeth is a proper indicator
for oral health in this respect.
Research conducted by Holmlund A, Holm G, Lind L
Published: J Periodontol. 2010 Jun;81(6):870-6.