Impact of Dental Visits on COVID-19 in Older Adults in Japan
Author Information
Author(s): Saito Mizuki, Shimazaki Yoshihiro, Nonoyama Toshiya, Inamoto Yoshinori
Primary Institution: Aichi Gakuin University
Hypothesis
Does the type of dental visit affect the incidence of COVID-19 and related hospitalisation among older people?
Conclusion
Dental visits for periodontal treatment may lower the risk of severe COVID-19 in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- 1.9% of participants developed COVID-19 during the study period.
- 17.4% of those who developed COVID-19 were hospitalised.
- Participants with periodontal treatment had a lower odds ratio for hospitalisation due to COVID-19.
Takeaway
Going to the dentist for gum treatment can help older people stay healthier and avoid serious COVID-19.
Methodology
The study used medical claims data to analyze the relationship between dental visit types and COVID-19 incidence and hospitalisation among older adults.
Potential Biases
Potential attrition bias due to exclusion of participants who died or moved during the study period.
Limitations
The study relied solely on medical claims data, which may not accurately reflect participants' actual oral health status.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults aged 75-85 years, primarily from Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.71 for hospitalisation due to COVID-19 with periodontal treatment
Confidence Interval
0.58–0.78 for hospitalisation due to COVID-19 with periodontal treatment
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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