Edentulousness and the Likelihood of Becoming a Centenarian: Longitudinal Observational Study.

Abstract

In recent decades, the global life expectancy has risen notably to approximately 73.5 years worldwide, coinciding with a rapid growth in the older adult population, which presents a significant public health challenge in promoting healthy aging and longevity. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the link between edentulousness and the likelihood of reaching centenarian status among individuals aged 80 years and older. Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey were analyzed. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between edentulousness and the likelihood of becoming a centenarian. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and disease histories were adjusted as confounding factors. Several sensitivity analyses, including propensity score matching and 2-year lag analyses, were conducted to further assess the association between edentulousness and the likelihood of becoming a centenarian. The correlation between the number of natural teeth as a continuous variable and the likelihood of becoming a centenarian was evaluated as well. The study included 4239 participants aged 80-100 years. After adjusting for all covariates, the likelihood for becoming a centenarian increased in the nonedentulous group compared to the edentulous group (odds ratio [OR] 1.384, 95% CI 1.093-1.751). The relationship persisted after propensity score matching analysis (OR 1.272, 95% CI 1.037-1.561). The association remained statistically significant after excluding participants with a follow-up duration of less than 2 years (OR 1.522, 95% CI 1.083-2.140; P=.02). Furthermore, a significant positive association between the number of natural teeth and the likelihood of becoming a centenarian was found after adjusting for all covariates (OR 1.022, 95% CI 1.002-1.042; P=.03), which aligned with the main results of the study. The findings revealed that the presence of natural teeth was linked to an increased probability of becoming a centenarian, underscoring the importance of maintaining oral health even in advanced age.