Abstract
To examine the relationship between estimated total tooth loss and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Korean adults (≥40 years). Data from 6,807 subjects who participated in the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were examined. The estimated total tooth loss variable included no teeth and extracted teeth when the teeth existed but could not function and thus required extraction. We used dichotomized COPD variables (normal or restrictive ventilatory defects vs. obstructive ventilatory defects). Demographic factors (age and sex), socioeconomic status (education and income), health behaviors (smoking), and general health status (hypertension and diabetes mellitus) were included as confounders in the analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, including confounders, were applied, and all analyses considered a complex sampling design. After controlling for various confounders, there was a significant association between estimated total tooth loss and COPD (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–2.14). Our data indicate that estimated total tooth loss is independently associated with COPD. Further longitudinal research is needed to determine whether oral health promotion plays a role in the improvement of lung function and the prevention of COPD.