CHICAGO – April 8, 2026 — Losing teeth may do more than change a smile – it may also affect your weight. A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology highlights a compelling connection between poor gum health, tooth loss, and weight gain in older adults, adding to growing evidence that periodontal health plays a critical role in overall health as we age.
The research draws on data collected over a four year period during a Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study that followed 903 participants and examined the relationship between tooth loss, chewing function, periodontal health, and changes in body weight. Researchers found that 11.5% of participants gained at least 5% of their body weight during the study period, and weight gain was significantly associated with having fewer teeth, reduced chewing capacity, and increased loss of the bone and gums that support teeth, a common sign of periodontal disease.
Tooth loss can reduce chewing ability which can limit food choices, steering individuals away from healthier, fiber rich foods and toward softer, more calorie dense options. The study uncovered that molars, especially molars that come together when you bite, play a key role in generating the force needed to chew food properly. Molar loss due to poor periodontal health can have a significant impact on diet and nutrition. Without sufficient chewing power, individuals may struggle to eat food essential for maintaining a healthy weight such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
“These findings add to the growing body of evidence that periodontal health plays an important role in overall health, especially as we age,” said Dr. Ana Becil Giglio, a practicing periodontist in New York City and President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Maintaining healthy teeth and gums supports better nutrition, good habits, and improved quality of life later in life.”
Gum disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until the advanced stages. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in both of these areas and more, including three additional years of education beyond dental school.
The study underscores the importance of preventing and treating periodontal disease early, not only to preserve teeth but also to support long term health. Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and timely periodontal care may help older adults maintain both their smiles and their overall wellbeing.
The study, titled “Functional tooth unit, periodontal status, and association with weight change in older adults,” was authored by Mariana S. Muñoz, Natália M. Pola, Juliana B. Hilgert, Fernando N. Hugo, Roberto P. Pimentel, Eleanor M. Simonsick, and Francisco W. M. G. Muniz.
For more information about the study’s data, methodology, and findings, read the full article in the Journal of Periodontology. To find a periodontist, visit perio.org.
About the American Academy of Periodontology
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) represents nearly 7,500 periodontists globally – specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontics is one of 12 dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
