UCSF

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate Correlation between periodontal and cognitive status, determine influence of the medications on the periodontal status

Materials and Methods: The patient population was recruited from the community of San Francisco by advertisement and from the methadone clinic at San Francisco General Hospital and was divided into 4 groups: controls, opioid dependent receiving buprenorphine and antirethroviral medications, opioid dependent receiving Methadone with no antirethroviral and HIV+ opioid dependent receiving methadone and antirethroviral medications. Periodontal status, cognitive statuses were evaluated during the study period.

Results: Significant correlation between the number of missing teeth and decrease in cognitive function: Spearman rank correlation p value 0.02-0.07

Conclusion: we were able to demonstrate a significant correlation between the number of teeth and cognitive function. Since none of our patients were demented, dementia was not a confounding factor as it has been in studies looking at tooth loss and cognitive function in older adults.

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