New insights into the correlation between bone mineral density and dental caries in NHANES 2011–2016

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Investigate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) at various body sites and dental caries. Materials and methods: Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2011 to 2016, the correlation between BMD at various body sites and the DMFS index among 7044 adults aged 20–59 years was analyzed. Multiple linear regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), piecewise linear regression, logistic regression, weighted quantile sum regression (WQS) and mediation effects analysis were integrated to explore the relationship between BMD and dental caries. Results: Under the linear assumption, except for arm BMD, the BMDs of all other sites are negatively correlated with the DMFS index of dental caries. RCS analysis indicates a U-shaped relationship between head BMD and the DMFS index (p for nonlinear < 0.0001). WQS analysis indicates that mixed BMD is significantly negatively correlated with the DMFS index for dental caries (estimate, − 0.023; 95% CI, − 0.025 ~ − 0.020), and head BMD has the most significant impact on the DMFS index (weight = 91.4%). Simple mediation analysis of the effect of dental caries on BMD levels mediated by inflammation levels showed negative results, suggesting that dental caries may not influence BMD through inflammation levels. Conclusion: Monitoring BMD should be combined with appropriate oral healthcare and caries management strategies to effectively address these interconnected health issues, and particular attention should be paid to the monitoring of head BMD.

Keywords

• BMD
• Dental caries
• DMFS index
• Regression
• NHANES database