Specific epigenetic age acceleration measures are associated with oral health outcomes in U.S. adults

The study examined the relationship between epigenetic age and dental health status using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Researchers analyzed eight different epigenetic age measures and their association with various oral health problems. The DunedinPoAm measure was most consistently associated with four adverse outcomes: last dental visit being for an existing issue, poor overall oral condition, food limitation due to teeth problems, and recommendation to see a dentist within two weeks. Other epigenetic measures such as PhenoAge, GrimAge, and GrimAge2 were associated with fewer oral health outcomes. The researchers concluded that monitoring specific epigenetic age measures, particularly DunedinPoAm, could help in monitoring dental health.