Table 4

HR (95% CI) for all-cause mortality in relation to oral health status among veterans inducted in military service between 1965 and 1971 (N=4188)

HR (95% CI)Percentage reduction in HR
Oral health (poor)
 Model 1: adjusted for age and ethnicity2.02*** (1.56 to 2.62)
 Model 2: systemic conditions + model 12.01*** (1.55 to 2.61)1.0
 Model 3: socioeconomic factors + model 11.68*** (1.29 to 2.20)33.3
 Model 4: behavioural factors + model 11.65*** (1.26 to 2.15)36.3
 Model 5: models 3+41.49** (1.14 to 1.95)52.0
 Model 6: models 2+3+41.46** (1.12 to 1.92)54.9
Dental status (edentulous)
 Model 1: adjusted for age and ethnicity3.01*** (1.91 to 4.91)
 Model 2: systemic conditions + model 13.06*** (1.88 to 4.99)−2.5†
 Model 3: socioeconomic factors + model 12.26** (1.40 to 3.66)37.3
 Model 4: behavioural factors + model 12.49*** (1.54 to 4.03)25.9
 Model 5: models 3+42.12** (1.30 to 3.45)44.3
 Model 6: models 2+3+42.15** (1.30 to 3.55)42.8
  • Model 2: systemic conditions (cardiac diseases, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and HDL cholesterol). Model 3: socioeconomic factors (family income, military rank, education and IQ). Model 4: behavioural factors (years of smoking, alcohol units per day, treatment for alcohol or drug abuse and body mass index).

  • **p<0.01; ***p<0.001.

  • Adjusting for systemic conditions demonstrated an increase in death hazard for edentulous persons.