Severe tooth loss and mortality risk: a population-based, longitudinal prospective study in a rural setting.

BACKGROUND: Information on the relationship between tooth loss and mortality among individuals living in rural settings is limited. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, Atahualpa residents >/=40 y of age (n=933) were followed for a mean of 7.3+/-3.2 y to estimate mortality risk according to whether they had severe tooth loss (<10 remaining teeth). RESULTS: Overall, 151 individuals (16%) died, resulting in a crude mortality rate of 2.35 per 100 person-years of follow-up. Individuals with severe tooth loss were more likely to die (73/276) compared with those with mild-moderate tooth loss (78/657), after adjusting for relevant covariates (hazard ratio 1.45 [95% confidence interval 1.02 to 2.04]). CONCLUSIONS: Severe tooth loss is associated with increased mortality in remote communities.