Loss of teeth can lead to excess weight, scientists have found

Tooth loss may be linked to weight gain — researchers have come to this conclusion after discovering an approximately 17% increased risk of weight gain, especially when molars are lost.

As reported by BAKU.WS citing the Journal of Periodontology, more than 900 people participated in the study and were monitored over a period of four years. At the outset, specialists assessed the oral health of the volunteers, including the number of teeth and the presence of gum disease. Ultimately, about 12% of participants gained at least 5% of their initial body weight.

The analysis showed that people with fewer teeth and pronounced gum problems had a higher likelihood of weight gain. The absence of molars — the large chewing teeth located in the back of the jaw — proved to be a particularly significant factor. Normally, an adult has three on each side, but when they are lost, the risk of weight gain increased by approximately 17%.

According to the researchers, changes in diet play a key role. Tooth loss makes it difficult to chew hard foods, so people begin to consume fiber-rich products such as vegetables and fruits less frequently. Instead, soft and higher-calorie foods appear more often in their diet.

Specialists emphasize that the condition of teeth and gums directly affects eating habits and, consequently, body weight, especially in older adults. Maintaining oral health could become an important element in the prevention of excess weight.

At the same time, scientists note that additional research is needed for a more precise understanding of the identified relationship.