Association between Tooth Loss and Hypertension: A Systematic Review

Background: An independent relationship between tooth loss and hypertension appears to exist. Objectives: The aim of this study was to systematically review the relationship between tooth loss/number of teeth and hypertension. Materials and Methods: This review was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. We searched all the relevant studies in international databases of PubMed and Google Scholar search engines from January 2000 to December 2023. Results: Fourteen studies (11 cross sectionals, 2 descriptives and 1 Cohort) met the inclusion criteria for this review. Most cross-sectional studies showed that participants with more tooth loss exhibited a greater proportion of hypertension and higher systolic blood pressure than those with less tooth loss. Cohort study showed that the loss of 8 or more teeth was associated with a higher risk of developing hypertension. Descriptive studies reported that missing teeth were marginally significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: This study has revealed a significantly higher SBP in patients with fewer remaining teeth or more tooth loss. In addition, those with more tooth loss showed a higher risk of hypertension than those with less tooth loss.