Older Hispanic adults who lose all their natural teeth may face a steeper decline in cognitive function than their peers who retain their teeth. A new study analyzing data from over 23,000 participants found that edentulism—complete tooth loss—was linked to faster cognitive aging, especially among Hispanic individuals.
While Hispanic and Black adults began with lower cognitive scores than white participants, their decline was generally slower. But for Hispanics without teeth, that protective trend disappeared. Their cognitive scores dropped about 0.03 points faster per year than those with teeth—a small but potentially significant difference over time.
Researchers suggest several reasons for this link. Tooth loss can impair chewing, reducing blood flow to brain regions tied to memory. It may also reflect chronic gum disease, which fuels inflammation—a known contributor to brain aging. Poor nutrition from avoiding certain foods could further worsen cognitive health.
Though Hispanic participants had the lowest rates of edentulism, they also had the lowest levels of education and household wealth. These social disadvantages may compound the effects of tooth loss. Interestingly, Black participants did not show the same accelerated decline, possibly due to stronger social support or lifelong exposure to poor oral health.
Regular dental visits were associated with better cognitive scores, highlighting the value of preventive care. The study underscores how disparities in oral health can ripple into brain health, and why access to dental care should be part of broader efforts to reduce health inequities.
See: “Tooth loss linked to faster cognitive decline in Hispanic older adults” (July 26, 2025)
