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The kidneys are essential to maintaining normal health as they filter waste from the circulation. If they are unable to effectively filter foreign substances, a number of serious, sometimes fatal medical disorders can result. Tooth loss and chronic renal disease may be related, according to a recent study.
The survey findings are published online in Menopause, the journal of the Menopause Society.
A woman’s glomerular filtration rate reflects the condition of her kidneys. After menopause, kidney function declines over time and is related to lower levels of reproductive hormones. These hormone changes that occur during menopause also often lead to abdominal obesity, which is associated with an increased risk of tooth loss and is a separate risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease.
Also read: Menopause is a real problem. We need to talk about it
Kidney disease has many consequences, including an increased likelihood of experiencing problems related to bone and cardiovascular health. Tooth loss, which reflects the state of oral health, is also associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease and osteoporosis, and is independently linked to an increased risk of stroke. Excessive tooth loss can also impair chewing and speech abilities.
Previous studies have identified a link between kidney function and the number of teeth. However, this latest study, involving nearly 65,000 participants, is the first known study to evaluate the association between chronic kidney disease and tooth loss in menopausal women across all age groups. It concluded that glomerular filtration rate, which is a measure of kidney function, is significantly associated with having at least 20 (out of a total of 28) adult teeth, indicating that chronic kidney disease and tooth loss are significantly associated, especially in menopausal women aged 66 to 79 years.
These findings suggest that preventing and managing mineral and bone metabolism disorders in postmenopausal women with chronic kidney disease is important for preventing tooth loss. Addressing the progression of kidney disease is also important, as its consequences affect many bodily systems beyond oral health.
The survey results are published in the article “Chronic kidney disease is associated with tooth loss in postmenopausal women.”
“This study highlights the known connection between chronic kidney disease and bone metabolism. There is a need for greater attention to oral and bone health in menopausal women with chronic kidney disease, as well as careful efforts to maintain kidney function. Conversely, oral health is a window into overall health, and good oral hygiene is important for women of all ages,” said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society.
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