Association of Tooth Loss and Risk of Lung Cancer in a Greek Adult Population: A Case Control Study

Aim: The purpose of the current case-control study was to assess the possible relationships between the number of missing teeth and the risk of lung carcinoma in out-patients Greek individuals of three private practices. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 155 cases diagnosed with various histological types of lung carcinoma and 450 age, gender and socio-economic status matched controls. Data on oral health and the number of missing teeth were obtained through dental examination and questionnaire including aspects of their medical and dental history. Odds ratios (OR’s) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI’s) were assessed using a logistic regression model adjusted for possible confounders. Results: The multivariate regressionanalysis model application showed that smoking (p=0.000, OR= 3.192, 95%CI= 2.065-4.933), deepperiodontalpockets(p= 0.048, OR= 1.89,95%CI=1.221-2.927) and a number of missing teeth more than four (p=0.032, OR=1.67, 95% CI= 0.489-1.953 and p= 0.047, OR=1.884, 95%CI= 0.495-1.209) were statistically significantly associated with risk for LC development. Conclusion: Individuals with deep periodontal pockets and a number of missing teeth more than four were at significantly higher risk for lung carcinoma.