Dentist discusses links between tooth loss and cognitive decline

Dentist Samvel Apresyan described a statistical association between tooth loss, reduced chewing efficiency and dementia on October 9. An association does not establish that losing teeth causes the condition.

The professor told Lenta.ru that the relationship is particularly relevant in older adults and alongside other contributing factors. He emphasized the loss of chewing teeth, which perform much of the work of breaking down food.

Chewing sends signals from receptors in muscles, tissues surrounding teeth and the lining of the mouth to the central nervous system, Apresyan said. He linked this activity to neural networks involved in learning and memory.

A 2021 meta-analysis of longitudinal studies also found an association with cognitive impairment and dementia. Observational findings do not establish causation or prove that replacing teeth prevents dementia.