Older adults who delay or forgo dental treatment بسبب financial constraints may face a heightened risk of developing serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and dementia, according to new research published in the April issue of The Journals of Gerontology, Series A.
The study, led by Mabeline Velez of the Boston University School of Public Health, analyzed data from 98,787 individuals aged 55 and older enrolled in the All of Us cohort. Participants were followed for an average of 5.3 years, allowing researchers to assess the long-term health impact of unmet dental care needs.
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Survey responses identified individuals who reported skipping or postponing dental care due to cost. Researchers then compared their health outcomes with those who did not face financial barriers to treatment.
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Findings showed a clear association between limited access to dental care and increased incidence of major health conditions. After adjusting for demographic variables, individuals with unmet dental needs exhibited a 45% higher risk of heart failure, a 37% higher risk of heart attack, a 45% higher risk of stroke, and a 37% higher risk of dementia.
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While these associations weakened after accounting for socioeconomic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and preexisting conditions, they remained statistically significant, indicating a persistent link between financial barriers and adverse health outcomes.
Notably, the relationship held consistent across demographic groups. The study found no significant variation based on gender, race, ethnicity, or the presence of periodontal disease, suggesting the findings are broadly applicable to the older adult population.
Researchers also estimated that improving access to affordable dental care could help prevent between 2% and 4% of cardiovascular and cognitive events in this age group.
“These findings suggest that addressing upstream factors such as financial constraints could help reduce the burden of chronic disease,” said senior author Kendra Sims, Ph.D., also of the Boston University School of Public Health.
The study contributes to a growing body of evidence linking oral health with systemic health, underscoring concerns that gaps in dental care access may play a role in the development of long-term conditions such as heart disease and cognitive decline.
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