An Unexpected Cause of Increased Risk of Tooth Loss Revealed 0 6

Scientists from Tohoku University have found that the so-called "reverse bite" — when the upper front teeth close inside the lower ones — is associated with a higher risk of tooth loss in adults. The results of a large population study were published in the journal Clinical Oral Investigations (COI).

The authors analyzed data from more than 17,000 people aged 40 and older who participated in the national cohort project Tohoku Medical Megabank. Participants were divided by bite type — normal, open, reverse, and combined — and the prevalence of tooth loss was compared, including cases where a person had fewer than 20 teeth remaining, as well as the loss of chewing molars.

It turned out that the reverse bite was specifically linked to an increased likelihood of tooth loss. Individuals with this type of tooth alignment had a risk of losing molars that was approximately 14 percent higher even after accounting for age, gender, oral hygiene, cavities, gum diseases, and lifestyle. This association was particularly pronounced in older age groups. In contrast, an open bite was not associated with increased loss of back teeth.

According to the authors, the results show that the preservation of teeth is influenced not only by cavities or gum diseases but also by the distribution of load during chewing. The scientists emphasize the importance of regular dental check-ups and orthodontic assessments of bite, and they plan to further investigate how tooth loss develops over time and whether a similar association exists in other countries.