Abstract DP235: MRI-Based Findings Connecting Regular Oral Care to Brain Health

Background: White matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden and total brain volume (TBV), as measured by MRI, are surrogate markers of brain health. Oral health behaviors such as dental visits, brushing, and flossing may contribute to improved brain health. Methods: We analyzed Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study data to examine associations between oral health behaviors and MRI measures of WMH volume percentage (WMH% = [WMH volume ÷ TBV] × 100) from T2-weighted FLAIR imaging and TBV from T1-weighted 3D MRI at Visit 5. Oral health behaviors, assessed by questionnaire at Visit 4, included: regular dental visits (≥1/year vs. episodic/none), brushing (>1/day vs. ≤1/day), and flossing (≥1/week vs. <1/week). Models adjusted for age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. WMH% values were log-transformed for analysis using ANCOVA and general linear models, then back-transformed for interpretation. Results: The sample included 1,069 participants (mean age 76.5 ± 5.4 years; 45% female; 76% White, 24% Black). Regular flossing was reported by 64%, brushing by 65%, and dental visits by 73%. Participants with regular dental visits had lower mean WMH burden (2.74%, 95% CI: 2.45–3.07) compared with episodic visits (3.48%, 95% CI: 2.98–4.08; p = 0.015). They also had higher mean TBV (1,014 cm 3 , 95% CI: 1,003–1,026) compared with episodic visits (982 cm 3 , 95% CI: 966–988; p = 0.002). Flossing was not significantly associated with WMH burden (2.92% vs. 3.20%, p = 0.34) or TBV (1,012 cm 3 vs. 994 cm 3 , p = 0.08). Brushing >1/day was not significantly related to WMH burden (2.92% vs. 3.28%, p = 0.26) or TBV (1,003 cm 3 vs. 1,006 cm 3, p = 0.79). Conclusions: Regular dental visits were significantly associated with lower WMH burden and greater TBV, whereas flossing and frequent brushing were not. These findings suggest routine dental care may play an important role in maintaining brain health.